Ivory Coast lifts AFCON 2015 Cup

By Ian Hughes

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry saved and scored the crucial spot-kicks that handed Ivory Coast a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout win over Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Barry, who appeared to cramp up during the shootout, denied fellow keeper Brimah Razak – one of five efforts missed – before slotting in the winner. Victory gave the Ivorians their second title, in a repeat of the 1992 final. On that occasion, Ivory Coast won 11-10 on penalties after a goalless draw.
They will be delighted to have emulated the feat having gone close twice since – in 2006 and 2012 – the latter of which they lost to Zambia, who were then coached by Herve Renard. The Frenchman’s success as coach of the Elephants makes him the first man to win the title with two countries.
In contrast, Ghana coach Avram Grant has now suffered defeats on penalties in two major finals, after losing the 2008 Champions League to Manchester United when he was Chelsea boss.
Yet it looked like the Black Stars might end their 33-year wait for a fifth Cup of Nations title when Ivory Coast missed their first two spot-kicks – Manchester City’s new signing Wilfried Bony hit the crossbar and substitute Junior Tallo dragged wide with his first touch of the game. But Afriyie Acquah and Frank Acheampong failed with their efforts for Ghana and the sides were back on level terms.
After every outfield player had taken his turn, Barry – who had annoyed some of the Ghana players by going down with cramp – brilliantly saved keeper Razak’s effort. He then kept his composure to slot home before being mobbed by his team-mates. Defeat was perhaps a little harsh on Ghana who had the better of the chances in the match and twice hit the woodwork. But there was a sense of inevitability throughout the match that it would go the distance as neither team appeared to be prepared to take the risks that might bring a victory. The big names – Ivory Coast’s Yaya Toure and Bony, and Ghana’s Ayew and Asamoah Gyan – failed to have a decisive influence on the game, which never really flowed.

bbc Sport

Posted by admin on Feb 13 2015. Filed under top stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry