Ivory Coast triumphed as African Cup Of Nations kings after beating Ghana 9 - 8 on penalties. Boubacar Barry, the Ivorian goal keeper stopped Ghana's goalkeeper, Brimah Razak's penalty before slotting home his own to hand the Ivorians a hard earned AFCON triumph.
Just before the tournament started I tipped Senegal and Algeria to make the final two but it's now clear I lost my money. I chose them based on player quality and team work. But football being what it is showed up with its drama. Both teams didn't make the last four.
Didier Drogba announced his retirement from international football last year. Therefore,people wrote off Ivory Coast's chances at the 2015 AFCON because the most regular face of Ivorian football in the last decade was exiting. Prior to then, Wilfried Bony had arrived EPL on the payroll of Swansea and was expected to be a hit. On the international scene he was played second fiddle to the Chelsea hit man. He had limited games. So when Didier retired, the responsibility to lead the line for Ivory Coast fell on him and deliver them he did. Yaya, the most influential player for club and country was the centre of all attention as he was expected to lead the Ivorians. He lead beautifully, even scoring an 'angry' goal in the process.
Ivory Coast emerged champions. They worked for it, they got it. It would have been a shame if the entire 'golden generation' of Ivory Coast retired without lifting the AFCON. They did so this time and in style. Their manager, Renard Hevre, having led the Chipolopolo of Zambia to victory in the 2012 edition made name for himself by equally lifting the trophy with Ivory Coast. The French man has indeed etched his name in the thick heart of African football.
In a pure case of a family whose father is not around and roundly bullied by neighbours, Manchester City will be very glad to have Yaya Toure back. Their games in Yaya's absence proved to even the mooing cows that Manchester City is Yaya and Yaya is Manchester City. They looked like a school boy team in his absence so they will be happy to have their Yaya back. With all pleasure.
While the Nigeria football house of commotion continue with their unending drama, it's felicitations, champions d'Afrique.
Photo credit: bbc.com
Follow Ikenna Enenta on twitter; @ikenna005
I have to give it to West Africa as a region and of course to Ivory Coast for a well deserved trophy. Kudos also to the silver medalists. I really hope the Ivoriens do a better job than Nigeria in defending the title come next season.
ReplyDeleteSure! Zambia won the 2015 edition and couldn't qualify for the next one that Nigeria won. Nigeria couldn't qualify for this year's edition and Ivory Coast won it. For the sake of football I hope Ivory Coast make it next time. They will be worthy defenders.
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