Boubacar Barry: 'I defied critics in Africa Cup of Nations shootout'

Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry has expressed his belief that his penalty shootout heroics in the Africa Cup of Nations final have helped him to silence his critics.

The 35-year-old saved two penalties before converting the winning spot kick himself as the Ivorians triumphed 9-8 over Ghana in Bata.

"I have been criticised, but I am able to progress," Barry told Canal+. "I'm not big in talent nor in size, but I want to progress, I worked for the team. "My mum suffered. Thanks to her, thank you to all Ivorians. Football allowed me to travel, there is no room for everyone; but there is room for the work. God rewarded me."

Ivory Coast had last won the trophy in 1992.