Ivory Coast footballers, winners of their third CAN on Sunday against Nigeria, paraded through the streets of Abidjan on Monday. The Elephants, cheered by a feverish crowd who took advantage of an exceptionally public holiday to celebrate their heroes, will be received on Tuesday by President Alassane Ouattara.
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After the victory against Nigeria, the party. Ivory Coast players paraded through the streets of Abidjan on Monday February 11 to present the CAN 2024 trophy to a feverish crowd who vibrated to the rhythm of their performances in recent weeks. The day was an exceptionally public holiday so that Ivorians could celebrate the Elephants, who will be received on Tuesday by President Alassane Ouattara.
As in 2015, during their previous coronation, the Ivorian players roamed the streets of the country’s economic capital, perched on the roof of a truck fitted out for the occasion, with a three-star sign on the side.
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They greeted the tens of thousands of supporters massed on the bridges and avenues of the various communes of Abidjan, some of their supporters not hesitating to accompany their procession running, far from being discouraged by the overwhelming heat which hit the city.
Around 8 p.m., after more than four hours of a joyful crowd, under good police escort, the players entered a 100% orange Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium, roaring with happiness. Dressed in white “Champions of Africa” t-shirts, the players and staff members began a lap of honor.
“Immense joy”
Many of them were clearly moved, and many filmed on their phones the deafening reception they received.
“It’s a feeling of pride that dominates. With three stars, we are among the great African nations,” rejoices Junior Djedjess, who came to the stadium. Only Egypt (seven titles), Cameroon (five) and Ghana (four) have done better in the history of the competition.
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“My country won, I’m finally going to see the Elephants, it’s an immense joy,” enthuses Moussa Savané, another delighted supporter.
After their lap of honor, the players went down to the pitch one by one and veteran Max-Alain Gradel, 36, presented the trophy to the public. “Ivory Coast, here is your African Cup. God bless Ivory Coast,” said the captain of the Ivorian eleven before presenting the trophy to the Prime Minister, Robert Beugré Mambé.
Adingra, Haller and Faé among the most praised
“We’re worthless but we took the cup,” chanted the supporters who ran towards the stadium early in the afternoon.
Ironic slogan for a team that has come a long way: humiliated against Equatorial Guinea in the first round (4-0), Côte d’Ivoire narrowly qualified for the round of 16 before reversing practically all the matches until the final victory.
“After the 4-0 I was dejected, but we were still alive and a new team was born,” remembers Junior Djedjess.
“We organized a CAN at home, we won it, we went out today (Monday) to show them how proud we are,” says Hana Malika Koné, fan of midfielder Seko Fofana.
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Monday, with the applause at the stadium, attackers Simon Adingra and Sébastien Haller were among the most praised. But one name comes up in the crowd: “Faé, Faé”, in homage to this miracle-worker coach.
With AFP