Gritty Cote d’ Ivoire will be up against her West Africa rival, Ghana in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, final slated for Estadio de Bata, Equatorial Guinea today and soccer pundits believe that the classic encounter between the two Africa football powerhouse will be won by the team that possesses the technical and tactical skills, although the imputs from the bench will play a great role.
Ghana reached the final after a trouble game in Malabo against host Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast steamrolled pass DR. Congo in the first semi final last week.
All is set for a Clasico final and a West Africa final. Ghana, 4th time champions are looking for their fifth title, they have been waiting for over 20 years now, the same apply to Ivory coast two times winner last in 1992 and are looking for their 3rd title.
Cote d’ Ivoire were beaten in both the 2006 and 2012 AFCON finals on penalties by Egypt and Zambia respectively. Attacker Gervinho is hopeful that this year, they will go all the way and write their names into history for the right reason.
“It was difficult, we faced a good team,” said Gervinho in the aftermath of their win over the Leopards.
“We managed to keep our calm and took advantage of our chances, we were efficient. No matter how you do it, you have to win this kind of games and it is what we did.
“We are going to enjoy the moment, it has been a long way for us. We will get back to work. This time we must win the final.”
Ghana moved a step closer to ending their 33-year wait for a fifth AFON title when they cruised past host side Equatorial Guinea in the second semifinal on Thursday, winning 3-0 in Malabo.
One of the goal scorers in that game, Andre Ayew, says the Black Stars will have no fear of coming up against Cote d’ Ivoire, who started the championship as favourites.
“Nobody is scared of nobody,” said Ayew. “I think it is a big game where there will be big players and it is going to be tough for everyone. So I believe that the better side on that day will take it.”
Cote d Ivoire and Ghana have met in 30 official international matches. The Black Stars have claimed 12 wins, one more than the Elephants’ 11, while seven encounters have been drawn. The teams’ most famous meeting is the 1992 Africa cup of Nations final, which ended 0-0 before the Elephants won a marathon penalty shootout 11-10 to claim their only continental championship in Dakar, Senegal.
While Ghana will parade the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan and their inspirational captain, Asamoah Gyan, Cote d’ Ivoire will be relying on the current African Footballer of the year and Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure and Bony, who has also signed for City. Today’s match promises to produce the best of Africa football, but who dethrone the Super Eagles of Nigeria and become the AFCON 2015 champions will be decided today.
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