Ivory Coast AFCON 2015 Hero Copa Barry Retires

By Philip Otuo

 Ivory Coast goalkeeper Copa Barry has retired from international football nearly a month after his team won the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.
The 35-year-old, who plies his trade at Belgian side Lokeren, was the hero of the 2015 Afcon final against Ghana, when he saved two spot kicks and transformed the decisive shot during the nerve-racking penalty shootout.

 “Every good thing has an end. I have decided to put an end to my international career with the Elephants of Ivory Coast,” he told Ivorian TV RTI on Monday.

 “I have always been proud to wear the shirt of Ivory Coast team. Good luck,” he said.
Barry is the second player from the Afcon-winning squad to retire after defender Kolo Toure, who made his announcement three days after their triumph.

 Groomed at the Abidjan-based Asec football academy, Barry joined the national team in 2007, winning a total of 83 caps.
TP Mazembe new signing Sylvain Gbohouo has long been picked as Barry’s replacement by coach Herve Renard, playing all five matches at the 2015 Afcon before being sidelined for the final due to injury