Despite being one of the powerhouses of African football, Ivory Coast have won the showpiece event on the continent – the Africa Cup of Nations -on just two occasions.
The Ivorians achieved their first success in 1992, and after two heartbreaking shootout finals, they added their second title in 2015. Ironically, their four finals were all decided by penalty shootouts.
Senegal 1992
Guided by local coach Yeo Martial, Les Elephants started their Group C campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over holders Algeria.
A goalless draw with Congo paved their way to the quarterfinals when they needed an extra-time goal from Donald-Olivier Sie to defeat Zambia 1-0. In the semis, Ivory Coast had a barren stalemate against Cameroon before winning 3-1 on penalties to reach the final for the first time in their history.
Once again, penalties were needed after a goalless draw with Ghana, with the Ivoirians winning 11-10 to lift the trophy. They did so with their goalkeeper Alain Gouamene not conceding any goals in the process. Also, the current president of the Ivorian Football Federation, Augustin Sidy Diallo, was the team manager.
Equatorial Guinea 2015
After losing the final by penalty shootouts twice (2006 and 2012), the penalty gods finally smiled for Ivory Coast in 2015. Les Elephants started their Group D campaign with two back-to-back 1-1 draws with Guinea and Mali, before defeating Cameroon 1-0 to top the group.
In the quarterfinals, Ivory Coast overcame Algeria 3-1 to reach the semifinals, when they defeated DR Congo by the same score.
The final was a “Deja-vu” of the 1992 clash with neighbours Ghana, and the Ivorians again won 9-8 on penalties after a goalless draw in full time and a complete round of penalties, with goalkeeper Boubacar Barry the hero.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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