Stand in goalkeeper Boubacar Barry said he "thought of God" the moment he scored the winning goal for Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations final last night.

Barry, who was only playing because Sybain Gbohouo was injured, saved a penalty from Ghana's Razak Braimah before scoring himself, leading his team to their first continental championship win in 23 years.

"At that moment I thought of God and I thought of my mother," he told reporters after the tense match.

"It's been hard for her as I haven't been playing. The most important thing is the country. Thing aren't always easy, but that's life."

The score was 0-0 at full time, with Ivory Coast taking the title after a penalty shootout in a 9-8 victory.

"This is the compensation for everything we've done since 2000, it's for the good of Ivory Coast," Barry said.

"I thank everyone who's contributed to the national side since 2000, they made it possible and we've finally received our reward.

"We need to remember everyone who's gone before, they have worked hard. If we're here it's because of them."

The goalkeeper, a key member of the team's fabled golden generation for much of the last decade, was dropped by coach Herve Renard after a 4-3 home defeat by Democratic Republic of Congo during qualification.

His replacement Gbohouo impressed Renard enough to take the starting berth during the Nations Cup.

However, a thigh injury for Gbohouo meant that Barry returned to the side for the final against Ghana, making his first start since October.

"If you're called to represent the nation you need to come without hesitation," Barry said, "even to sit on the bench. It's not been easy but I've worked hard and reaped the rewards."

Barry's teammate Max Gradel also thanked God following last night's victory. "When you're two nil down, you think it's done, but when you believe in God, anything is possible," the winger said.

"I'm so happy for me, my country and my family. I'm happy for everyone, including the people who passed away in Ivory Coast during the bad times. I hope this means our country can now be happy. I hope it brings all the Ivorians together, and make the country even stronger."

(Additional reporting by Reuters)