A large security operation was underway in Bata on Sunday (February 8) ahead of the African Nations Cup final between Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Violence marred the semi-final between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea in Malabo where projectiles were hurled at players and supporters, a police helicopter was called to disperse fans in the stadium and conflict continued outside the ground after the match which was delayed for over half an hour before Ghana won it 3-0.
Authorities have responded by increasing police presence to ensure there will be no repeat of the ugly scene during the final.
On the pitch two African football heavyweights will seek to put decades of disappointment behind them.
Neighbours Ghana and the Ivory Coast have been perennial contenders but it was 23 years ago that one of them got to lift the trophy — the Ivorians, ironically, beating Ghana in a marathon penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the final.
Ghana have won four Nations Cup titles and are in a record- breaking ninth final but they have to go back to 1982 for their last success.
Both West African countries have had disappointing outcomes in recent years. Ivory Coast has lost two finals since 2006 and Ghana, who have reached the semis in five successive tournaments, were runners-up in 2010.
Ahead of the tournament in Equatorial Guinea, neither side were considered among the favorites, going through a period of rebuilding after disappointment at last year’s World Cup.
(Reuters)
