Cote D’Ivoire are African Champions, beat Ghana 8-9 on penalties

Cote D’Ivoire once again beat Ghana in the final of the African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea like they did 23 years ago at the Senegal 1992 finals, on penalties too.

The Elephants held the Ghanaians down through a feisty first half which had the Black Stars running the ropes from every angle of the pitch.

With a new coach, Herve Renard who also makes history as the first coach to win the Nations Cup in three with two different countries; they held on till the last 120 minutes pf the second extra.

Fate would have it that Cote D’Ivoirewho were playing in their fourth final since 1992, will run away winners.

Wilfried Bony and Tallo missed the first two shots for the champions, a resurge by the goalkeeper, Boubacar Barry Copa ensured that they remained in the race even after Acquah and Razak Archeampong missed for Ghana.

Ghana remain without an AFCON title after 33 years since they last won in 1982.

Congo emerged third best of the competition with a shootout win against the hosts, Equatorial Guinea on Saturday.