Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry has stated that their Africa Cup of Nations triumph has been 15 years in the making.

The 35-year-old played a pivotal role in the penalty shootout victory over Ghana, saving two penalties before converting the final spot kick himself to give Les Elephants a 9-8 win.

The victory ended Ivory Coast's 23-year wait for the title and brought an end to the suggestion from some observers that the country's 'golden generation' of players tend to falter on the biggest stage.

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

"We need to remember everyone who's gone before, they have worked hard. If we're here it's because of them.

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

Ivory Coast lost on penalties in the 2006 and 2012 finals.

Written by
Steven Toplis