Divine intervention? Ivorians say God is on their team’s side after ‘miracles’ at Africa Cup

By CIARÁN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — Ivory Coast’s seemingly miraculous progression to the Africa Cup of Nations final has convinced locals that God is on their side. The host nation has survived several close calls with elimination thanks to fortune with results in other games and scarcely believable comebacks. Late goals in remarkable wins in the knockout round against defending champion Senegal, then Mali, have no other explanation for devout locals other than being the will of God. They’re sure now he will guide the Elephants to their third Africa Cup title. Simion Diakité tells The Associated Press, “Inshallah, God will do it, no doubt.” Ivory Coast has reached the final with a 1-0 win over Congo.