5 rivalries that define the African Cup of Nations

Modified Jan 04, 2017 14:44 GMT

AFCON 2017.jpg — The African Cup of Nations is the pinnacle of African footballing excellence

#3 Ghana vs. Ivory Coast

SEKONDI-TAKORADI, GHANA - FEBRUARY 3: Didier Drogba salutes the fans during the quater final AFCON match between Ivory Coast and Guinea held February 3, 2008 at the Sekondi Stadium, in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images/Getty Images) — Ivory Coast have seized the advantage from Ghana after the Black Stars' initial dominance.

These two neighbours are absolute powerhouses of African football, and their clashes have almost always been glamorous affairs and matters of prestige. Out of a total of 14 clashes in the Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast hold the advantage in this rivalry with 8 wins as opposed to 5 for the Black Stars. Having won their first 3 clashes in this tournament,

Ghana would fail to beat Ivory Coast in the next six, including the final in 1992 that ended up 11- 10 on penalties. It would take a goal from Abedi Pele for Ghana to seal a 2 - 0 win in 1996, after a gap of 26 years over their rivals in the AFCON.

Their most recent clash in the tournament was in the final of 2015, which would seem eerily like that of '92 with a 0 - 0 scoreline after extra time leading to a 9-8 win for the Ivory Coast on penalties. We're definitely calling this rivalry currently in their favour.

Edited by Staff Editor