Ivory Coast win Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Ghana in epic penalty shootout

Boubacar Barry was the hero, thanks to some great saves, some amazing play-acting and an even better penalty.

Boubacar Barry has been Ivory Coast's goalkeeper for the past decade, and he's been the man in goal for the team's biggest World Cup and continental disappointments. But on Sunday, he was their hero, getting the better of Ghana goalkeeper Razak Brimah in an amazing shootout to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

The match was seriously lacking in chances, and finished 0-0 after 120 minutes, but the penalties made up for the poor play. Barry made some massive saves over an incredible 11 rounds -- which included multiple instances of him exaggerating an injury -- then made the last spot kick to win the shootout 9-8.

Serey Die produced the biggest moment of the first half for the Ivorians by catching Wakaso Mubarak with a high boot into his groin. He only received a yellow card for his actions. Before the shootout, the only other moment of serious excitement or consequence was a a stunning 25-yard shot by Christian Atsu in the first half, which beat Barry before cannoning off the post.

It appeared early on in the shootout that the Black Stars were going to have no problem lifting the cup. Wakaso and Jordan Ayew made their first two penalties, while Wilfried Bony and Gadji Tallo -- who was subbed on in the 120th minute specifically to take a penalty -- missed. But then thinks went south for Ghana, as Alfrie Acquah and Frank Acheampong failed to convert. Acheampong, like Tallo, was only subbed on to take a spot kick.

The penalties from then on left fans wondering why the early takers were ever selected in the first place. From Acheampong's miss until the keepers, each penalty was flawless.

Barry started his play-acting after Seydou Doumbia scored in the fourth round. At that time, it appeared that his injury might be entirely legitimate. And when he stayed down after stopping Brimah's 11th round effort, it still wasn't clear if he was genuinely injured.

But then Barry stepped up, struck a perfect penalty and sprinted into the corner to celebrate with the fans. That magic spray really is magic after all.

Ivory Coast: Barry, Kanon, K. Toure, Bailly, Aurier, Tiene (Kalou 116'), Y. Toure, Die, Gradel (Doumbia 67'), Gervinho (Tallo 120'), Bony

Ghana: Brimah, Baba, Mensah, Boye, Afful, A. Ayew, Acquah, Mubarak, Atsu (Acheampong 117'), Appiah (J. Ayew 99'), Gyan (Badu 120')

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