2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final


The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Final was a football match that took place on 8 February 2015 to determine the winner of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the football championship of Africa organized by the Confederation of African Football. The match was held at the Estadio de Bata in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.

Background

The Ivory Coast appeared in their 20th Africa Cup of Nations tournament, their sole victory coming in 1992 when they defeated Ghana on sudden-death in a penalty shootout at the end of a goalless draw at the Stade de l'Amitié in Dakar, Senegal. They also played in the final in 2006 and 2012, losing in shootouts after goalless draws against Egypt and Zambia respectively.
Ghana also appeared in their 20th tournament, and their 9th final. They have previously won 4 and lost 4.
Ivory Coast were 28th in the FIFA World Rankings, while Ghana were 37th.

Route to the final

Match

Summary

The match was 0–0 after 120 minutes. Both teams played conservatively, preferring to attack on the break, so a 0–0 draw after extra time was predictable. Ghana had the better chances in regulation time, hitting the woodwork twice with Christian Atsu's 25-yard shot and André Ayew"s effort from a tight angle. The Ivory Coast had an opportunity earlier when Max Gradel hit the ball over the bar after a Ghana mistake. The match went to penalties. Ghana went to a 2–0 lead with Wilfried Bony and Junior Tallo both missing for the Ivorians. Veteran second choice Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, who was called on in the final to replace the injured Sylvain Gbohouo, produced a save against Afriyie Acquah. Frank Acheampong then missed for Ghana, and the teams were level. Both teams continued to make their penalties. After every outfield player had taken a shot, the match was decided by Barry, who saved an attempt from Ghana goalkeeper Brimah Razak and then scored past Razak himself to give the Ivory Coast the title.

Details