Yesterday, Ivorian media erupted in celebration as the team secured a surprise qualification to the African Cup of Nations' second round. While the Elephants themselves fell short of topping their group, they benefited from Morocco's narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia, claiming one of the coveted four best third-place spots. This sets them up for a thrilling encounter with Senegal in the next round. «Thanks to midfielder Ziyech's goal», remarked Connection Ivoirienne, «Morocco delivered a 1-0 win, sparking indescribable joy among Ivorians». The website poignantly described the jubilation as a revival for a nation still reeling from «Black Monday», when the Elephants' 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea plunged the country into despair. The Ivorian News Agency captured the emotional rollercoaster: «In Odienné, the city that had fallen into hibernation after the team's Monday disappointment, a wave of joyous streetscapes erupted after the final whistle of the Morocco-Zambia game». This sentiment was echoed by Press Côte d'Ivoire, reporting that residents of Sideci in Yopougon «stormed the main roads, dancing and chanting 'Thank you, Morocco!' in celebration of the miraculous qualification».
