Mariama Doumbia celebrates with Anastasie Makon after Ivory Coast keeper

Mariama Doumbia (L) celebrates with Anastasie Makon after Ivory Coast keeper Sylvain Gbohouo stopped a shot for a goal by Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations 2019 (Afcon), as they watch the game on screen in Abidjan, Ivory Coast July 8, 2019. She said: “Football is very exciting and gives me the pleasure to follow the matches with my friends. Ivory Coast’s victory will help us to take our leadership position in Africa and in the world. To gather in large numbers here for just one match, only the passion of football allows it.” International football can bring unimaginable joy to people from all walks of life but can also leave them distraught beyond comprehension, and that range of emotions reaches maximum exposure at the moment the ball hits the net and dreams are realized or shattered. Reuters photographers across the continent have captured those reactions in a series of telling images during the Africa Cup of Nations, which reaches its pinnacle when Algeria and Senegal meet in the final on Friday. Picture taken July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon