Ivory Coast and Ghana bid for AFCON glory | CNN

Ivory Coast and Ghana battle for AFCON glory

2 minute read
Updated 5:44 PM EST, Sun February 8, 2015
Ivory Coast hero Boubacar Barry is lifted on the shoulders of Wilfried Bony after his team's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final over Ghana. Barry scored the winning penalty in the 9-8 shootout win.
Ivory Coast hero Boubacar Barry is lifted on the shoulders of Wilfried Bony after his team's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final over Ghana. Barry scored the winning penalty in the 9-8 shootout win.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
The triumphant Ivory Coast team ended a long wait to get their hands on African football's most prestigious trophy.
The triumphant Ivory Coast team ended a long wait to get their hands on African football's most prestigious trophy.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
Ghana advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Equatorial Guinea 3-0. The game, however, had to be stopped at one point due to crowd trouble that led to a police helicopter intervening.
Ghana advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Equatorial Guinea 3-0. The game, however, had to be stopped at one point due to crowd trouble that led to a police helicopter intervening.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Both sets of players had to wait on the pitch as a decision was made whether to abandon the game or resume the action.
Both sets of players had to wait on the pitch as a decision was made whether to abandon the game or resume the action.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Ghana players had earlier been the target of missiles as they left the pitch at half-time with police needed to step in.
Ghana players had earlier been the target of missiles as they left the pitch at half-time with police needed to step in.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Play eventually resumed and Ghana will now meet Ivory Coast in Sunday's final -- a repeat of the 1992 final which the Elephants won.
Play eventually resumed and Ghana will now meet Ivory Coast in Sunday's final -- a repeat of the 1992 final which the Elephants won.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Wilfried Kanon celebrates after scoring the third goal versus Democratic Republic of Congo for Ivory Coast, who won 3-1 to seal a place in Sunday's final against either Ghana or tournament hosts Equatorial Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Wilfried Kanon celebrates after scoring the third goal versus Democratic Republic of Congo for Ivory Coast, who won 3-1 to seal a place in Sunday's final against either Ghana or tournament hosts Equatorial Guinea.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure scored a stunning opener to put Ivory Coast ahead, rifling home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure scored a stunning opener to put Ivory Coast ahead, rifling home an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
AS Roma midfielder Gervinho restored Ivory Coast's lead with a precise finish after DR Congo striker Dieumerci Mbokani had brought his side level from the penalty spot.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
AS Roma midfielder Gervinho restored Ivory Coast's lead with a precise finish after DR Congo striker Dieumerci Mbokani had brought his side level from the penalty spot.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
Ghana fans were left to celebrate after seeing their side thrash Guinea 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Ghana fans were left to celebrate after seeing their side thrash Guinea 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/GETTY
Wilfried Bony (far right) is congratulated by his Ivory Coast teammates after scoring during the 3-1 win over Algeria in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Wilfried Bony (far right) is congratulated by his Ivory Coast teammates after scoring during the 3-1 win over Algeria in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty
The referee took center stage in a bad-tempered AFCON quarterfinal between Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea - won 2-1 by the hosts.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
The referee took center stage in a bad-tempered AFCON quarterfinal between Tunisia and Equatorial Guinea - won 2-1 by the hosts.
AFP/Getty Images
Dieudonne Mbokani celebrates after scoring a goal during the Democratic Republic of Congo's 4-2 win over Congo in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Dieudonne Mbokani celebrates after scoring a goal during the Democratic Republic of Congo's 4-2 win over Congo in the AFCON quarterfinals.
Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty
Victory for Ivory Coast keeps alive the hopes of fans who believe this team is capable of winning a major trophy, despite recent failures.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Victory for Ivory Coast keeps alive the hopes of fans who believe this team is capable of winning a major trophy, despite recent failures.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Ivory Coast's players celebrated reaching the AFCON 2015 quarterfinals -- and avoiding the drawing of lots -- with victory over Cameroon.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Ivory Coast's players celebrated reaching the AFCON 2015 quarterfinals -- and avoiding the drawing of lots -- with victory over Cameroon.
Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images
Guinea midfielder Kevin Constant, right, put his side ahead against Mali from the penalty spot -- but both teams went into a drawing of lots after neither could find a winner.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Guinea midfielder Kevin Constant, right, put his side ahead against Mali from the penalty spot -- but both teams went into a drawing of lots after neither could find a winner.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Algeria players celebrate after Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in their country's Group C AFCON fixture against Senegal.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Algeria players celebrate after Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in their country's Group C AFCON fixture against Senegal.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Algeria fans prepare for their country's AFCON Group C fixture with Senegal in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Algeria fans prepare for their country's AFCON Group C fixture with Senegal in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Ghana's Andre Ayew celebrates after scoring the second goal in his country's 2-1 come-from-behind Group C victory over South Africa at AFCON 2015.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Ghana's Andre Ayew celebrates after scoring the second goal in his country's 2-1 come-from-behind Group C victory over South Africa at AFCON 2015.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Mandla Masango (center) celebrates with teammates after firing South Africa into the lead of the AFCON Group C fixture with Ghana.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Mandla Masango (center) celebrates with teammates after firing South Africa into the lead of the AFCON Group C fixture with Ghana.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Equatorial Guinea fans celebrated wildly after their team reached the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Equatorial Guinea fans celebrated wildly after their team reached the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
Equatorial Guinea's midfielder Javier Balboa celebrates after scoring his side's crucial opener in the 2-0 win over Gabon to take his side through to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Equatorial Guinea's midfielder Javier Balboa celebrates after scoring his side's crucial opener in the 2-0 win over Gabon to take his side through to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
Congo coach Claude Le Roy extended his remarkable record at AFCON finals as his side became the seventh from eight to reach the knockout stages. A 2-1 win over Burkina Faso did the trick for the Frenchman.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Congo coach Claude Le Roy extended his remarkable record at AFCON finals as his side became the seventh from eight to reach the knockout stages. A 2-1 win over Burkina Faso did the trick for the Frenchman.
Ivory Coast scored a later equalizer against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations to secure a vital second draw in their tight Group D, which will decided in the final round of matches.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Ivory Coast scored a later equalizer against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations to secure a vital second draw in their tight Group D, which will decided in the final round of matches.
AFP/Getty Images
Asamoah Gyan celebrates his last-minute winner for Ghana as it managed to defeat tournament favorite Algeria 1-0 in Group C.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Asamoah Gyan celebrates his last-minute winner for Ghana as it managed to defeat tournament favorite Algeria 1-0 in Group C.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Senegal moved top of Group C after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against South Africa.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Senegal moved top of Group C after coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against South Africa.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Tunisia edge closer to a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals as they come back to defeat Zambia 2-1 in Group B.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Tunisia edge closer to a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals as they come back to defeat Zambia 2-1 in Group B.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
A Burkina Faso fan watches on as his side fought to a goalless draw in an Africa Cup of Nations Group A match against hosts Equatorial Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
A Burkina Faso fan watches on as his side fought to a goalless draw in an Africa Cup of Nations Group A match against hosts Equatorial Guinea.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
The Group A match between host Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso, runners-up in the last AFCON, ended in a goalless draw
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
The Group A match between host Equatorial Guinea and Burkina Faso, runners-up in the last AFCON, ended in a goalless draw
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
A Congo fan trumpets his support for his team as it beats Gabon 1-0 in a Group A qualifier.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
A Congo fan trumpets his support for his team as it beats Gabon 1-0 in a Group A qualifier.
Khaled Desouki/AFP/Getty
Congo players celebrate the only goal of the match from Prince Oniangue in the 1-0 win over Gabon.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Congo players celebrate the only goal of the match from Prince Oniangue in the 1-0 win over Gabon.
Carl De Souza/AFP/Getty
Guinea's players celebrate after scoring a goal against Ivory Coast during the African Cup of Nations group D tie on Tuesday. The match finished 1-1.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Guinea's players celebrate after scoring a goal against Ivory Coast during the African Cup of Nations group D tie on Tuesday. The match finished 1-1.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Ivory Coast supporters added more color off the pitch than their team did on it. A team that includes Manchester City's Yaya Toure produced a lackluster performance against Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Ivory Coast supporters added more color off the pitch than their team did on it. A team that includes Manchester City's Yaya Toure produced a lackluster performance against Guinea.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
There's a party atmosphere ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Group C -- the so-called 'Group of Death' -- match between Algeria and South Africa in Mongomo.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
There's a party atmosphere ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Group C -- the so-called 'Group of Death' -- match between Algeria and South Africa in Mongomo.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Title favorite Algeria defeats South Africa 3-1 in its first Group C game. Striker Islam Slimani celebrates scoring the third goal. Algeria reached the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Title favorite Algeria defeats South Africa 3-1 in its first Group C game. Striker Islam Slimani celebrates scoring the third goal. Algeria reached the knockout stages of the 2014 World Cup.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Senegal is good value for its opening Group C victory -- sealed three minutes into injury time by substitute Moussa Sow -- after dominating Avram Grant's Ghana for large parts of the game.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Senegal is good value for its opening Group C victory -- sealed three minutes into injury time by substitute Moussa Sow -- after dominating Avram Grant's Ghana for large parts of the game.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Concerns about the spread of Ebola means the Africa Cup players are tested when they land in Equatorial Guinea. Here Cameroon's defender Nicolas Nkoulou, who plays for Marseille, has his body temperature checked by a health worker at the airport.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Concerns about the spread of Ebola means the Africa Cup players are tested when they land in Equatorial Guinea. Here Cameroon's defender Nicolas Nkoulou, who plays for Marseille, has his body temperature checked by a health worker at the airport.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images
Fans arriving for the the Group B match between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Ebebiyin add some patriotic color to the lines of uniformed police.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Fans arriving for the the Group B match between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Ebebiyin add some patriotic color to the lines of uniformed police.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
Will you fall head over heels for Gabon's striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Africa Cup? The Borussia Dortmund striker celebrates scoring in Gabon's opening 2-0 win against Burkina Faso.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Will you fall head over heels for Gabon's striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Africa Cup? The Borussia Dortmund striker celebrates scoring in Gabon's opening 2-0 win against Burkina Faso.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
After Ebola fears and a relocation, the 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament kicks off in Equatorial Guinea.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
After Ebola fears and a relocation, the 30th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament kicks off in Equatorial Guinea.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
There is a scramble at the gates of the Bata Stadium as fans are eager to see the opening match between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
There is a scramble at the gates of the Bata Stadium as fans are eager to see the opening match between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Congo.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Morocco pulled out as host nation because of fears about Ebola and the disease is still on the minds of the fans attending the Africa Cup.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Morocco pulled out as host nation because of fears about Ebola and the disease is still on the minds of the fans attending the Africa Cup.
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (center) opens the 16-nation tournament alongside Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou (right).
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
Equatorial Guinea's president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (center) opens the 16-nation tournament alongside Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou (right).
KHALED DESOUKI/AFP/Getty Images
The opening Group A match is a lively 1-1 draw between host Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo, winners of the trophy in 1972.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
The opening Group A match is a lively 1-1 draw between host Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo, winners of the trophy in 1972.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
It might have ended in a draw but the opening match was a crowd pleaser for the 35,000 fans.
Africa Cup of Nations 2015 —
It might have ended in a draw but the opening match was a crowd pleaser for the 35,000 fans.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
Africa Cup of Nations 2015

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Story highlights

Ivory Coast and Ghana meet in Africa Cup of Nations final

Ghana last won title in 1982, Ivory Coast in 1992

Ghana beat hosts Equatorial Guinea in semifinals

Ivory Coast starts as marginal favorite

CNN  — 

They are two of the continent’s acknowledged football powerhouses and later Sunday either Ivory Coast or Ghana will end a long and frustrating wait to be crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions.

Ghana last lifted the trophy 33 years ago and was beaten in the 1992 final by Ivory Coast, the last time The Elephants claimed the prestigious crown.

The meeting in Bata will bring down the curtain on a tournament – hosted at the last minute by Equatorial Guinea after Morocco declined because of Ebola fears – which has seen some fine football but also been blighted by crowd trouble inside and outside the stadiums.

Ghana’s 3-0 semifinal win over the hosts saw the worst scenes, with a helicopter deployed to disperse fans at the Estadio de Malabo and the game held up for several minutes.

Read: Crowd trouble mars AFCON semifinal

Overshadowed by the violent scenes was a solid team performance by the Black Stars, with Andre Ayew, the son of the legendary Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew, rounding off the scoring with his third goal of the competition.

Ivory Coast, with a host of talented players such as Manchester City’s Yaya Toure and the club’s new signing Wilfried Bony, has come on strong after needing to beat Cameroon to reach the knockout stages.

The Ivorians will start marginal favorites to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time.

Ghana is a four-time winner and has five wins in nine matches with Ivory Coast at the finals, losing three with the other drawn.

Read: Morocco banned from two AFCONs