After Sunday night's match in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, Ivorians in the capital Abidjan lit fireworks, honked car horns and waved flags amid hopes the first Afcon win in 23 years will help resolve political differences.
Celebrations continued throughout the night and vuvuzelas were still being sounded Monday, while Ivory Coast's flag could be seen on every minibus and taxi.
RTI, the government-owned TV station, reported a day off to celebrate the victory of the Elephants, the heroes.
Ivory Coast's 9-8 win on penalties came after the game finished goalless after full-time and extra-time. Goalkeeper Boubarac Barry made two decisive saves and then converted the winning penalty himself.
The 35-year-old keeper had been recalled for the match, with Sylvain Gbohouo dropping to the bench after five consecutive appearances.
"God has rewarded me," the keeper also known as Copa said.
Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder hailed an "unbelievable" win.
"I cannot express my happiness. When you win a title with your club, it is amazing but with the country, it is unbelievable," he said.
"I have been dreaming of this moment throughout my eight years in the national team. I have been waiting for this moment. We failed twice in 2006 and 2012."
Ivory Coast have now also made up for a disappointing exit at the group stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Phillipe Kacou, a former Ivory Coast FA official, said: "When the tournament started there were a few who had faith in Ivory Coast and who believed they would get this far and even win the trophy.
"The two opening draws against Guinea and Mali had reinforced that perception. But we won in the end and that's what matters."
Seraphin Djoro, the chairman, of AIDPS, a civil society and non-governmental organization, said the triumph could be an opportunity for the country at a time when political dialogue between the government and opposition is locked in a standoff.
"In a country where football fever intoxicates everybody, Ivoirians from all political backgrounds should seize this victory as an opportunity to talk to each other," he said.
Ivorians will be hoping the success will help political figures put their grudges behind them and work together to heal the wounds created by the 2010-2011 post-election violence.
Former minister Joel NGuessan and current spokesperson of the ruling party RDR - Rally of Republicans - told dpa in Abidjan: "Despite our differences, we should remain united like the Elephants did, to confront common challenges in order to overcome underdevelopment."
--sapa--
