Ivory Coast celebrates Afcon win with Moroccan gratitude

On Sunday, Ivory Coast lifted the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations trophy after edging out Nigeria 2-1 in the final. In a surprising gesture, the triumphant Elephants celebrated their victory by proudly displaying the Moroccan flag alongside their own.

??❤️?? Énorme hommage du peuple ivoirien au Maroc juste avant la remise du trophée. Le stade ovationne les Lions de l’Atlas qui ont qualifié la Côte d’Ivoire dans cette #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/Uq3B3xrjts

— Hanif Ben Berkane (@HanifBerkane) February 11, 2024

Several Ivory Coast players, including one spotted running with the flag during celebrations, held it aloft while receiving the trophy. The Moroccan flag was also shown on the stadium screens, met with cheers from the crowd.

Même au moment de soulever le trophée de cette #CAN2023 ???? https://t.co/zHYHcx3wO1 pic.twitter.com/Lpi2ncDcG3

— Hanif Ben Berkane (@HanifBerkane) February 11, 2024

This act of gratitude stemmed from Morocco's crucial group stage win against Zambia, which inadvertently helped Ivory Coast, as the tournament hosts, qualify for the knockout stage. As one of the four highest-ranked third-placed teams, they advanced.

L’Ivoirien Max Gradel après le sacre de la Côte d’Ivoire fait le tour du Stade Alassane Ouattara avec le Drapeau Marocain ! ??❤️??

Rappelons que le Maroc a aidé la Côte d’Ivoire à se qualifier en phase finale ??? pic.twitter.com/9iAhYOG6Jm

— TFT MOROCCO (@TFT_Morocco) February 11, 2024

It's worth noting that Morocco's journey ended in the round of 16 after a defeat to South Africa.