Manchester City Midfielder Yaya Toure applauds Ivory Coast African Cup win

       Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure described leading his country to the Africa Cup of Nations victory as "unbelievable" after The Elephants beat Ghana in a penalty shootout.

After 23 years without winning the African Cup and reaching the final twice -2006 and 2012, the Elephants defeated Ghana 9-8 on penalties in Equatorial Guinea.

 "Sometimes when you win with your club, it's magical, but winning with your country is something exceptional," the midfielder told L'Equipe. "We worked so hard to win and we will celebrate with our families. I have waited so long for this moment and to lift a trophy as captain, it's huge.

 "We must congratulate coach Herve Renard, who has done a great job. We have often been aggressively criticized. "I've lost twice in the final, so to be here now is fantastic. I'm so happy."

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, 35, who plays for Belgian side Lokeren converted the winning spot kick, just after he saved a ball from Black stars goalkeeper Brimah Razak. "I have been criticized, but I was able to progress," Barry told Canal Plus.

"I'm not big in talent nor in size, but I wanted to develop and I worked for the team. "My mother has suffered. Thanks to her, thank you to all Ivorians. Football allowed me to travel and there is not always room for everyone.

 "But there is always room for work and God has rewarded me." This was only the second African Cup of Nations title won by Ivory Coast.

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