Security increased for Cup of Nations final after crowd violence

February 8, 2015

Extra security will be in place for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final between Ivory Coast and Ghana after crowd violence interrupted Thursday’s second semi-final.

The match, which saw Ghana beat hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0, was stopped for 30 minutes as home supporters threw missiles onto the pitch.

“We have re-coordinated with the security people to make sure key points that were maybe a bit loose in previous matches are better secured,” said Caf general secretary Hicham El Amrani.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he added: “We have a higher number of security people but the most important thing is the head of state addressed the nation to call them to come peacefully and celebrate what their country has done by organising this tournament.”

His comments came just hours after Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Issa Hayatou said the crowd trouble had been exaggerated by the media.

Sunday’s match, which kicks off at 19:00 GMT, is a repeat of the 1992 final, which Ivory Coast won on penalties to give them their only Nations Cup title.

Ghana have won the tournament four times, most recently in 1982.

In Saturday’s third-place play-off, DR Congo beat Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on penalties in a match that proceeded without trouble.

Source: BBC News

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