The Joy of Six: memorable 0-0 draws

Ivory Coast v Ghana (11-10 penalties), African Cup of Nations final, Stade de l'Amitié, 26/01/92

Eight years earlier, when they'd hosted the tournament, Ivory Coast had expected to win the trophy for the first time but fell in the group stages. The Elephants' elimination deflated public interest to such an extent that the country's president announced that admission to the final (between Cameroon and Nigeria) would be free. He also took to the airwaves to reassure his compatriots that the Elephants were guilty only of inexperience and would soon come of age. In 1992, his prophecy was fulfilled.

The Ivorians made it to the final without conceding a goal. But Ghana, making a record seventh appearance in the final, were the favourites, even without the brilliant Abedi Pelé, who was suspended after being booked during the semi-final win over Nigeria. The Ivorian defence shackled Tony Yeboah and Nii Lamptey, keeping yet another clean sheet and taking a match that was high on intensity but short on drama into a famous penalty shoot-out that would make up for the unspectacular fare that had preceded it. Joel Tiehi and Isaac Asare missed one for each side but every other player - including both keepers - scored expertly. For the first time in international football history, players would have to take a second: when the Ivorians netted theirs, Ghana turned to experienced defender Tony Baffoe - whose penalty was saved. Who'd have thought he was born in Germany? Paul Doyle

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