Didier Drigba, a Chelsea icon, lost it in the stands when Franck Kessie equalized for the Ivory Coast in the AFCON final against Nigeria.

Captain William Troost-Ekong of Nigeria scored an ill-advised goal with a thunderous header in the 38th minute, putting the Ivory Coast down 1-0 at halftime. In spite of this setback, the Elephants persisted in the second half and equalized shortly after the hour mark through AC Milan star Kessie’s back-post nod. Running up the steps while cheering with the rest of the Ivory Coast crowd, Drogba couldn’t contain his pleasure in the stands.

With an 81st-minute poked goal by Sebastien Haller, the Ivory Coast pulled off an incredible comeback. After the Elephants’ ignominious 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage three weeks ago—a loss for which Drogba was very critical of the host nation—few would have bet on such a deep run for the tournament. “We will have to get back to work, not only asking the right questions but also making the right decisions,” the former Chelsea striker told NCI. For the sport of football alone, as a country like Ivory Coast would be unable to host such a tournament in its current form and would inevitably lose in the first round.

However, this way presents a serious issue.In spite of losing their last group game and dismissing head coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the Ivory Coast advanced to the round of 16 as one of the four teams finishing in third place, and under interim leader Emerse Fae, they played much better. After advancing over Senegal, Mali, and DR Congo, the Elephants will be able to enjoy their third AFCON triumph, and Drogba will undoubtedly be at the center of all the joy.

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