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Former Ivory Coast goalkeeper Pierre Alain Gouaméné has disclosed how he was scared to face Abedi Ayew Pele prior to the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ghana.
The Elephants of Ivory Coast edged the Black Stars 11-10 on penalties to clinch their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title in 1992.
Prior to the final, Ghana we’re heavily tipped as favourites to win the coveted trophy due to the presence of talisman Abedi Ayew Pele.
However, the former Olympique Marseille star missed the final against their West Africa neighbours due to suspension after picking his third yellow in the semifinal 2-1 victory over sworn rivals Nigeria.
In an interview with GTV Sports, Gouaméné, who did not concede a single goal throughout the 1992 AFCON tournament, revealed that he was frightened to face Abedi Pele in the final until he was told that the former 1860 Munich ace will be missing the match through suspension.
“I was scared to play against Ghana at the final but when I learned that Abedi Pele will be missing the game, I became so confident because he was a gem.”
“I was scared again to face him [Pele] in [19]94 but luck smiled at us again as we beat them.”
Ghana finally had their revenge in 1996 when they defeated the Elephants 2-0 in the group stage.
Ivory Coast repeated the 92 feat in Equatorial Guinea when they beat Ghana a 9-8 on penalties to win the 2015 edition.