Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba has earned big praise for his in-game antics following the Elephants' triumph over Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
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Emerse Fae's side claimed the trophy in Abidjan on Sunday after a comeback victory, inspired by goals from Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, over the Super Eagles.
Throughout the tournament, images of an animated Drogba in the stands were shown on television screens around the world, with the ex-striker still incredibly invested in the Elephants despite retiring from international football in 2014.
His passion for the national team has earned the Chelsea legend praise from Egypt icon Wael Gomaa, who described Ivory Coast's success on home soil as a "miracle" given Jean-Louis Gasset's sacking late in January.
"A football miracle happened in a time when miracles seemed scarce," he said, according to KingFut.
"The players' refusal to surrender and their spirit, the ball gave them a chance to come back to life.
"I see that Didier Drogba had a big role in motivating and supporting the players, and the changes in the team and the belief in achieving results in many matches. A deserved win for Ivory Coast and a historic championship for them."
Gomaa then went on to publicly back new Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, who was appointed last week as Rui Vitoria's replacement.
"I hope Hossam Hassan achieves the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He has shown great performance and history with Egypt as a player and at the coaching level, he can achieve it, God willing," he continued.
"If the Egyptian national team can't win the title, I hope Morocco does after a very long absence.
"Morocco also deserves to win the title. There is no difference between Egypt and Morocco, and I won't be sad if Morocco wins, I will be happy from my heart."
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Drogba made 24 AFCON appearances for the Elephants, scoring 11 goals.
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