Ivory Coast and Ghana face what is likely to be their sternest test of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations when the two countries clash in what has been dubbed the dream final. Two of Africa`s football powerhouses are in dire need of a continental trophy after long and frustrating waits.
Ghana have won the Africa Cup of Nations four times, but their last victory was 33 years ago.
On the other hand, the Ivorians only triumph was in 1992 and, ironically, at the expense of Ghana.
Both started this tournament slowly. However, their bravery has seen them through to the final.
Ivory Coast needed to win their last group game against Cameroon to reach the knockout stage.
While Ghana fought back from an opening-day loss to Senegal to make the final.
Pride will certainly be at stake as this final confirms West Africa’s dominance.
Fans of both team have expressed their views ahead of the much-anticipated clash.
On Ghana fan says, “I wish good luck to Andre Ayew. The father, Abedi Pele was the best player, but he never gave the Africa Cup to Ghana,” while another says, “I think they will win this one. So, I think Ghana will beat Ivory Coast 3-0.”
But The Elephants fans also believe their moment of triumph has finally arrived.
“Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure is the last chance that they have. Ghana is still a young team. They can still come next Afcon and win it.” Just not this around. “The game they played against Algeria showed us the victory is going to be for Ivory Coast.”
The Elephants’ strong performance in Equatorial Guinea has restored national confidence
Meanwhile, shopkeepers in Ivory Coast have been struggling to keep up with demand for merchandise.
After a disappointing World Cup in Brazil and a not-so-convincing Afcon qualifying campaign the nations morale has been low.
However, the Elephants’ strong performance in Equatorial Guinea has restored national confidence.
Restaurant owner, Sylvie Targo, says, “’Since the Ivorians played well and we are in the final, the restaurant is doing well. It’s alright. At the beginning, it wasn’t doing well … people were discouraged because the Ivorian team were not up to par, but now it’s ok.”
Both countries deserve to be crowned champions.
Whether it’ll be willpower that determines the winner or just sheer luck.
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