What happened to the Ghana vs Ivory Coast dream final? Well, it’s off, that’s what. Here’s how:
Ghana 0-1 Cameroon The hosts were outmuscled by Cameroon, in a match that was marred by the unbelievably inappropriate behaviour of Reading defender Andre Bikey. With Cameroon leading 1-0, thanks to a goal in the 71st minute by substitute Alain Nkong, and the clock ticking down in the second half, Rigobert Song went down injured in his own penalty area. On come the paramedics, with their fancy motorised cart, to assist Song. This somehow enrages Bikey, who angrily pushes over one of the medical staff. The ref rightly sends Bikey off – he’s now banned from playing in the final. Madness. (You can watch all this in the clip above.)
Things threatened to turn ugly in the stadium, but happily no major crowd incidents were reported.
Report on Egypt vs Ivory Coast after the jump…
Ivory Coast 1-4 Egypt So much for playing the best football of the tournament, as the Ivorians had done up until this game. That counted for nothing as the Egyptians outplayed them. The scoreline flatters Egypt slightly – Ivory Coast were shafted when goalkeeper Boubacar Barry had to be substituted in the first half due to injury. Barry’s replacement, the inexperienced Stephan Loboue, should have done better with Egypt’s second and third goals:
Kolo Toure, too, was at fault for Egypt’s third goal – watch as he is twisted and turned by Egypt’s Amr Zaki. Seems like he was rushed back from injury. Arsene Wenger will love that.
And so the Ivory Coast, supposedly one of the most talented teams in the history of African football, fall at the penultimate hurdle. A shame, but respect to holders Egypt, who now meet a team they thumped 4-2 earlier in the tournament. The final will be closer, but I still tip Egypt to win.
Videos via 101GreatGoals