IVORY COAST legend Didier Drogba celebrated wildly as he watched his country reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sebastien Haller’s second-half strike handed the Elephants a 1-0 win over DR Congo on Wednesday night.
The result sets up a meeting with Nigeria on Sunday as Ivory Coast look to win the competition for a third time in front of their own fans.
And the scenes inside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium were a sight to behold as Drogba conducted the adoring Ivory Coast fans.
The Chelsea icon, 45, was filmed pitchside urging the supporters to make even more noise during the game.
Towards the end of the match, he was then seen pointing to his watch as he called for the final whistle.
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And when the referee eventually ended the match, he leapt up in excitement and punched the air.
Drogba, who was wearing a “CAN 2023” shirt which refers to the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, then began celebrating and dancing with those around him with infectious delight.
And fans on social media were loving the scenes, with one saying: “True king.”
Another added: “Die-hard fan indeed, congratulations to you and your country. You did well. Best of luck in the final.”
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While a third replied: “You can’t hate this guy, so free-spirited.”
Despite claiming four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, Drogba never won the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
He reached two finals – in 2006 and 2012 – before coming up short against Egypt and Zambia.
He retired from international football in 2014, before Ivory Coast lifted the trophy the following year.
Meanwhile, the Ivorians’ current team have had a remarkable path to the final.
After losing two of their three group games, they thought they were heading out of the tournament and so decided to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
But results went their way as they edged into the last 16, before they knocked holders Senegal out on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.
Last-minute goals in normal time and extra time then saw them beat Mali 2-1 in a thrilling match to set up a tie with DR Congo in the last four.
And Haller’s goal has now set up a clash with three-time winners Nigeria on Sunday after they beat South Africa on penalties.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
