AFRICAN SPORTS MONTHLY
'Sports is our Business'
  • Home
  • NEWS
  • Radio
  • TV

Renard dedicates title to Ivorian people

2/9/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Côte d'Ivoire coach Herve Renard dedicated a dramatic CAF Africa Cup of Nations final triumph on Sunday to the people of the country.

The Elephants edged west African neighbours Ghana 9-8 on penalties in the Equatorial Guinea city of Bata after a 0-0 draw following extra time.

"We dedicate this win to the Ivorian people," said the Frenchman who guided Zambia to a penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast in the 2012 final. "Football has this magic element in that it unites all the ethnic groups - all the people who perhaps don't think the same way. Ivory Coast is more than delighted today and that's the most important thing."

Title successes for Renard with Ivory Coast and Zambia make him the first coach to win the Cup of Nations with different countries. It was the second time the Ivorians have conquered Africa, and the first success in 1992 also came against Ghana on penalties following a goalless draw.


Football has this magic element in that it unites all the ethnic groups.

Côte d'Ivoire coach Herve Renard

"I'm very happy for the Ivorians, who have been waiting for this for 23 years. My message since we started the training camp on January 5 has always been the same, even when we started the first half badly against Guinea, we always stayed on course, we had to say some home truths.

"The players put in a lot of effort and today they've been rewarded. In life you can lose, but the important thing is always to bounce back and never give up."

Captain and midfielder Yaya Toure said: "When you win with your club it's magical, but with your country it's incredible, exceptional. I had been waiting to lift the trophy for who knows how long. As a captain, it's so special. It's a breath of fresh air. Our chance finally came. I am so happy and relieved.

"I think about all the people who provided me with advice, I think about my family. The coach was very good to us, he knows African football and he did a great job. We have been criticised, sometimes harshly, but he helped us stay on course," said the four-time and reigning African Footballer of the Year.

"I have been playing for Ivory Coast for eight years, I have lost two finals and once in the quarter-finals. It's always difficult to deal with. A penalty shoot-out is very difficult. It's something I hate even if I quite like penalties during the game.

"In 2012 (final against Zambia), against the wishes of the coach, I didn't take a penalty. My brother (Kolo) did but he was unlucky. We need to thank Copa Barry. He's gone through some difficult times, especially at home where he's been criticised.

"He's giving us the trophy today. After (Sylvain) Gbohouo's injury, the coach talked to him so he'd stay focused."

Ghana coach Avram Grant said: "Reaching the final was a big achievement for us. I am proud of what happened here as no-one rated Ghana before the competition. But we came here to play some exciting football and showed some good things.

"They (the players) have made me happy and after the final I told them so. We were the better team but we did not create enough chances... Ghana can be proud of this young team."

By: FIFA.com
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013

    Menu

    All
    2014 FIFA World Cup
    Athletics
    Basketball
    Boxing
    Commonwealth Games
    Cricket
    Golf
    Hockey
    Marathons
    News
    Olympics
    Rugby
    Soccer
    Spotlight
    Tennis
    Track And Field
    Volleyball
    Women Soccer
    Wrestling


    Picture

    RSS Feed


    Tweets by ASMONTHLY

Tweet to @ASMONTHLY

Contact Us

    Contact Us

Submit

Donate & Support Our Efforts at African Sports Media Network