Ivory Coast vs Ghana. Africa Cup of Nations Final.
Estadio de Bata.
Ivory Coast win 9-8 on penalties
Ivory Coast win Africa Cup of Nations with 9-8 shootout win over Ghana after goalless draw
Monday 9 February 2015 08:37, UK
Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the decisive penalty as Ivory Coast ended a 23-year Africa Cup of Nations title drought by beating Ghana 9-8 in a shootout after the final ended 0-0 following extra time.
History repeated itself as the only other Ivorian title came in 1992 when they edged the Ghanaians, also on penalties after a goalless draw.
Billed as a 'dream' final between the west African neighbours, it became the fourth decider in the last eight to finish goalless and be settled by spot-kicks.
Ghana captain and star striker Asamoah Gyan passed a late fitness test on his injured hip and returned in place of semi-final scorer Jordan Ayew.
Ivory Coast winger Gervinho threatened twice in the early stages as Ivory Coast were quicker out of the blocks.
Trending
- Papers: Gravenberch set to stay at Liverpool amid Real Madrid links
- Gabriel Jesus is back! Hat-trick for Arsenal striker sinks Palace
- Nunez and Elliott strike as Liverpool battle past Southampton
- Hits and misses: Jesus, Elliott and Tonali all shine in Carabao Cup
- Transfer Centre LIVE! 'Saudi could offer Rashford way out of Man Utd'
- Man Utd latest: Rashford has not travelled for Carabao Cup tie - reports
- Perez leaves Red Bull seat as 2025 exit confirmed
- Vasseur: Convincing Hamilton to join Ferrari not difficult at all
- Italian job! Tonali brace inspires Newcastle past Brentford
- 'Pain, hurt and damage' - Fury issues menacing warning to Usyk
After 25 minutes, Ghana's Christian Atsu won possession just outside the box and his swerving shot eluded the diving Barry only to rebound to safety off the post.
Ivory Coast were rescued by the woodwork again nine minutes before half-time when Andre Ayew - elder brother of Jordan - hit the other post from an acute angle.
While there were moments of anxiety for both defences, clearcut chances remained elusive and the game drifted into extra-time.
Ivory Coast missed their first two penalties through Tallo Gadji and Manchester City's Wilfried Bony, but Ghana's Afriyie Acquah was then denied by Barry.
With the scores at 2-1 in the shootout, Frank Acheampong hit wide for Ghana, before both sides went to reach 8-8 with both goalkeepers remaining.
Braimah Kamoko stepped up to see his penalty saved by Barry, before Ivory Coast's man between the sticks brushed himself off to slot home the winning spot kick.