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. That year, Ivory Coast won 11-10 on penalties also after a goalless draw.
The Frenchman, Coach Herve Renard'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, having lost the 2008 Champions League to
Manchester United when he was Chelsea boss.
It had 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
hitting the crossbar and substitute Junior Tallo dragging 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We reserve the right to delete any message found vulgarizing. Avoid crude or indecent texts..