For the first time since 1994, the nations that have produced African football’s biggest stars will meet in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite their recent dominance in World Cup qualifying and the multitude of world class players produced by both teams, this will be the first final in which this generation of Ivory Coast and Ghana players will meet.
Ghana vs. Ivory Coast live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final online
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Many will find it unfortunate that this game is taking place after Didier Drogba and Michael Essien bowed out of international football, but it’s still just about the best African final fans could have hoped for. Both sides have coasted through the Africa Cup of Nations, led by veterans from the old guard and boosted by new, young stars.
Marseille man Andre Ayew is finally fulfilling his promise for the Black Stars and could finish as the tournament’s top scorer, while new Manchester City signing Wilfried Bony has done an admirable job of filling Drogba’s shoes. However, if the Ivorians prevail the man most likely to win player of the tournament is one of their most experienced players -- Yaya Toure.
Ghana had no problem dispatching of hosts Equatorial Guinea, though the game was far from uneventful. With the Black Stars up three goals, the home fans started attacking Ghana's supporters, driving them onto the pitch and sparking a 30-minute delay. Even though Ghana led by three goals with less than 10 minutes remaining, the game was not called, and the players had to continue after standing around while police tried to ensure safety.
Ivory Coast faced a bit more of a challenge in their semifinal, though they ultimately won comfortably. The Democratic Republic of the Congo did well to equalize after Toure's opener, but goals from Gervinho and Wilfried Konan saw Les Elephants through.
The Ivorians are not expected to be missing any players due to injury, but Asamoah Gyan is still a doubt for the Black Stars. If he can’t play, it’s likely that Jordan Ayew will start in his place.
Match date/time: Sunday, 2 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio de Bata, Bata, Equatorial Guinea
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada), ITV 4/British Eurosport 1 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), ITV Player, Eurosport Player (U.K.)
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