Elephants kings of Africa

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the decisive goal as Ivory Coast ended a 23-year Africa Cup of Nations title drought by winning 9-8 on penalties after the final ended 0-0 following extra time.

Before netting, veteran Barry had set up the match-winning chance by diving to his left and pushing away a spot-kick from Ghana goalkeeper Razak Braimah.

Ivory Coast triumphed despite making a disastrous start to the 22-penalty climax with the first kick from Wilfried Bony hitting the crossbar and Junior Tallo firing the second spot kick wide.

History repeated itself as the only other Ivorian Cup of Nations title came in 1992 when they edged the Ghanaians, also on penalties after a goalless draw.

It was a highly tactical and cagey finale to the biennial African football showpiece in Equatorial Guinea city Bata.

Billed as a 'dream' final between the west African neighbours, it became the fourth decider in the last eight to finish goalless and be settled by spot-kicks.

"This is the compensation for everything we've done since 2000, it's for the good of Ivory Coast," Barry told reporters.

"I thank everyone who's contributed to the national side since 2000, they made it possible and we've finally received our reward."