12/02/2024
Divine Intervention? Côte d'Ivoire Resurrected by Haller's Halo to Claim AFCON Crown
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium pulsated with an energy that only divine intervention could explain. Côte d'Ivoire, resurrected from the ashes of a disastrous group stage like Lazarus himself, charged onto the pitch with the fervour of a choir belting out hallelujahs. Nigeria, meanwhile, resembled a gaggle of lost sheep, unsure of the script and wandering aimlessly.
Yet, the heavens seemed to favour the Super Eagles first. A corner kick, a well-placed Troost-Ekong noggin, and suddenly, Nigeria were bathed in the golden light of an unexpected lead. Was this a cruel joke by the footballing gods? A test of faith for the Ivorian faithful?
Fear not, for the script had been preordained! The second half saw a Côte d'Ivoire transfigured, their every touch blessed by the holy hand of fate. Kessie, channeling the power of a thousand angels, rose for a header that left the net rippling like a windblown curtain. The score was equal, the tension thicker than incense smoke.
And then, the moment the angels had been singing about all along. Haller, the cancer survivor returned, his foot guided by an unseen force, met a cross with the precision of a divine sculptor. The ball nestled into the net, the stadium erupted, and Côte d'Ivoire were crowned champions!
Was it tactics? Talent? Perhaps. But for the thousands of jubilant Ivorians, there was no doubt: this was a victory delivered from above. The 'Zombies' had walked not just back from the brink, but all the way to the promised land. As for Nigeria, they can only hope the footballing gods are feeling more generous next time. After all, even miracles run out eventually.
Lawrence NKEDE,
on special assignment at the Ebimpe stadium,
Abidjan, Côte d'ivoire
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