Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON semi-final against DR Congo as he scored the sole goal of the match two years after beating cancer.
Ivory Coast started their AFCON campaign on a high note following a 2-0 victory against Guinea Bissau but suffered a 1-0 setback against Nigeria before their embarrassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.
The host decided to part ways with head coach Jean-Louis Gasset and later secured a place in the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Since then, Ivory Coast have been performing excellently well, from a victory against Senegal via a penalty shoot-out to a dramatic comeback win against Mali, before they defeated D.R Congo in the semi-final to book a place in the final via Sebastien Halla's strike.
The striker, who had a tough few months at Borussia Dortmund and suffered an injury at the start of the competition, found the net with a magnificent volley to give his team the victory they needed.
Sebastien Haller’s career has encountered ups and downs in the past months
After an incredible season at Ajax Amsterdam, he joined Borussia Dortmund with enormous intentions on his mind. Unfortunately, cancer halted his excellent growth, forcing him to take a break from football.
Back on the pitch, Haller struggled in Germany. No goals in the Bundesliga or Champions League, reduced playing time, and a clear lack of confidence. Additionally, a persistent left ankle injury limited his participation in the 2023 AFCON.
However, the former West Ham player was able to grab his opportunity in the semi-final against DR Congo by converting a cross from Max-Alain Gradel.
He scored the only goal of the match, hence qualifying Ivory Coast for the final. This was a well-deserved reward for a player who had to face many hurdles on his path to remain in the game.
How Sebastien Haller beats cancer to become Ivory Coast hero
In July 2022, Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
In January 2023, the striker returned to training after two surgeries and chemotherapy.
February 2024, 559 days after being diagnosed, he scored the only goal to take Ivory Coast to the AFCON final.
Notably, the 29-year-old played with a customized boost with a message on it that reads; "F**ck cancer".
After their win over DR Congo, Haller reflected on his satisfaction at being back on the pitch after a complicated period.
He is sampling the moment and is aware that his presence at AFCON is a bonus. Now his goal remains to go all the way and win the final against Nigeria.
Ivory Coast was able to overcome the challenges of the first round to qualify for the final. Haller goal in the semi-final shows all his determination and talent, and he is ready to give everything to help his team achieve victory.
The final against Nigeria will be a huge challenge, but Haller is ready to take responsibility. He will be a key element for Ivory Coast in the final. The Elephants are determined to finish the job and final victory is within reach.
What's next?
Ivory Coast will lock horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday, February 11 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, therefore, it remains to be seen which side will come out victorious.
Ivory Coast started their AFCON campaign on a high note following a 2-0 victory against Guinea Bissau but suffered a 1-0 setback against Nigeria before their embarrassing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.
The host decided to part ways with head coach Jean-Louis Gasset and later secured a place in the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Since then, Ivory Coast have been performing excellently well, from a victory against Senegal via a penalty shoot-out to a dramatic comeback win against Mali, before they defeated D.R Congo in the semi-final to book a place in the final via Sebastien Halla's strike.
The striker, who had a tough few months at Borussia Dortmund and suffered an injury at the start of the competition, found the net with a magnificent volley to give his team the victory they needed.
Sebastien Haller’s career has encountered ups and downs in the past months
After an incredible season at Ajax Amsterdam, he joined Borussia Dortmund with enormous intentions on his mind. Unfortunately, cancer halted his excellent growth, forcing him to take a break from football.
Back on the pitch, Haller struggled in Germany. No goals in the Bundesliga or Champions League, reduced playing time, and a clear lack of confidence. Additionally, a persistent left ankle injury limited his participation in the 2023 AFCON.
However, the former West Ham player was able to grab his opportunity in the semi-final against DR Congo by converting a cross from Max-Alain Gradel.
He scored the only goal of the match, hence qualifying Ivory Coast for the final. This was a well-deserved reward for a player who had to face many hurdles on his path to remain in the game.
How Sebastien Haller beats cancer to become Ivory Coast hero
In July 2022, Sebastien Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
In January 2023, the striker returned to training after two surgeries and chemotherapy.
February 2024, 559 days after being diagnosed, he scored the only goal to take Ivory Coast to the AFCON final.
Notably, the 29-year-old played with a customized boost with a message on it that reads; "F**ck cancer".
After their win over DR Congo, Haller reflected on his satisfaction at being back on the pitch after a complicated period.
He is sampling the moment and is aware that his presence at AFCON is a bonus. Now his goal remains to go all the way and win the final against Nigeria.
Ivory Coast was able to overcome the challenges of the first round to qualify for the final. Haller goal in the semi-final shows all his determination and talent, and he is ready to give everything to help his team achieve victory.
The final against Nigeria will be a huge challenge, but Haller is ready to take responsibility. He will be a key element for Ivory Coast in the final. The Elephants are determined to finish the job and final victory is within reach.
What's next?
Ivory Coast will lock horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday, February 11 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe, therefore, it remains to be seen which side will come out victorious.