On the first floor of Bellevilloise, the first Parisian cooperative founded in 1877 to provide the most modest Parisians with political and cultural education, Jean Jaurès organized political meetings. A century later, an orange tide has swept through this mecca of popular culture in the 20th arrondissement, where concerts, shows and exhibitions are now organized.
Nearly 450 Ivorian supporters celebrated, on Sunday February 11, the victory (2-1) of their team which faced Nigeria in the final of the 34th African Cup of Nations (CAN). “What euphoria,” Dorcyne said at the final whistle. I had never felt such happiness, such pure joy. » “This cut absolutely had to stay at home,” adds her friend Hairia. “It’s magnificent, it’s exceptional,” said Jédidia, her orange jersey on her shoulders. We have just won the best CAN of all time and we are making history. This team has come so far. »
The Ivorian players are “miracles”, according to the expression of their coach Emerse Faé. What makes their success so beautiful is that there is something irrational about it. Each victory was plotted in pain, often at the end of suspense. After successfully entering the competition against Guinea-Bissau (2-0) on January 13, the Elephants suffered a first defeat against Nigeria (1-0).
Four days later, they experienced a terrible humiliation against Equatorial Guinea (4-0), causing a football earthquake across the country and the resignation of their French coach Jean-Louis Gasset. It was not until Morocco’s victory over Zambia (1-0) that Côte d’Ivoire finally secured a place among the best thirds in the group stage and continued the competition.
Good star
In the round of 16 against Senegal, reigning champions and easy winners of all their matches in the first round, the Ivorians appeared uninhibited. After being behind from the 4th minute, they continued, failing to play well, to believe in their lucky star. It never left them: after equalizing from the penalty spot at the very end of the match, they eliminated the competition favorites on penalties. Carried by grace and the feeling that nothing could stop them, they then beat Mali at the end of a match under high tension since they scored a goal in the 92nd minute and another in stoppage time. extra time (122nd).
The semi-final against the Democratic Republic of Congo was the most successful match for the Elephants who won (1-0) quite logically, in any case without playing to scare themselves as they did again during the final . After once again falling behind, the Ivorians finally won thanks to goals from Franck Kessié (43rd) and Sébastien Haller (81st).
“Once again, this team was able to transcend itself to win,” says Franck. Once again, the Elephants were thought to have died and they were resurrected to fetch the grail. This shows how resilient Ivorians are. » “After all the crises that my country has gone through, it managed to get back up to organize the most beautiful CAN in history and win it with an ideal scenario,” assures Cadhy. This is what makes me the most proud. »
“Discouragement is not Ivorian”
The winning goal which allowed the Ivorians to win their third continental title, after those of 1992 and 2015, was scored by Sébastien Haller who did not play the first matches due to an ankle injury. Last year, the striker also had to put his career on hold to treat testicular cancer. “Sébastien Haller is the image of our team,” analyzes Franck. He is a ghost: he was in the darkness, here he is now in the light. »
Throughout this competition, Elephants supporters found a motto: “Discouragement is not Ivorian”. From Abidjan to Yamoussoukro and throughout the diaspora, they also vibrated to Coup du hammer, a song written to a frenetic rhythm by Ivorian producer Tam Sir: “We push, we push, we push. Hammer blow, hammer blow…”
In a moving moment of communion, the hit thrilled the La Bellevilloise audience at the end of the match. Like an echo, it then spread to the 10th arrondissement and the Château-d’eau station where hundreds of supporters continued the party until late at night.