TheCable

Cote d’Ivoire president, Alassane Ouattara, has shown his appreciation to the players and officials who just won the 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations with bonuses in excess of €3 million ($3.4m).

The Elephants beat Black Stars of Ghana 9-8 on penalties in Sunday’s final in Equatorial Guinea to lift their second title since 1992.

The 23-man squad were each given a house worth €46, 000 ($52, 000) as well as the same amount in cash.

Coach Herve Renard got €114, 000 ($129, 000), the Ivorian football federation were given €380, 000 ($429, 000) while the technical and administrative staff shared €460, 000 ($520, 000).

Aside the cash reward, the entire squad were also conferred with the highest order of knights of the National Order.

Quattara spoke of the sense of national unity the victory provided.

“Thanks to you, Ivory Coast is once more united,” he said.

“You managed to rebuild a strong team working as one towards one goal – winning and winning more. It’s a lesson in rallying people together.

“We had been dreaming about that title for a quarter of a century! Now, the cup is here and, as they say, all things come in threes.”