Ivory Coast crowned champions of Africa

Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 23 years as they edged Ghana 9-8 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time in the final at Estadio de Bata.

With the match tied 8-8, Ivory Coast goal-keeper Boubacar Barry blocked a penalty attempt from opposing goal-keeper Razak Braimah and then stepped up to convert his own to ensure a first title since Ivory Coast last beat Ghana in similar circumstances in 1992.

It took a total of 22 kicks to settle the outcome on Sunday after the Ivorians had missed their first two attempts.

Victory for the Ivory Coast also handed coach Herve Renard the distinction of becoming the first coach to win the tournament with different countries after his success with Zambia in 2012, when they edged the Ivorians in a shootout.

The Ivory Coast, which won its only other title in 1992, played this time without Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who has retired from international football. But the team still had Manchester City teammates Wilfried Bony and Yaya Toure, a four-time African player of the year.

Four-time champions Ghana, who have not won the continental title since 1982, are coached by Avram Grant. The Israeli led Chelsea to the 2008 Champions League final, but lost on penalties.