Host Ivory Coast went from almost crashing out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to knocking out Senegal, ensuring that Egypt remains the last defending champion to reach the quarterfinals since 2010.
Ivory Coast snuck into the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams but put up a spirited fight at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro.
Senegal broke the deadlock after only four minutes when Sadio Mané latched onto Ismail Jakobs’ throw-in and cut it back for Habib Diallo, who made no mistake to put his side in the lead.
Just over five minutes later, Mane was fortunate not to receive a red card for a bad tackle on Ibrahim Sangaré, as he received only a yellow card.
Emerse Faé, the Elephants’ interim head coach after Jean-Louis Gasset resigned less than a week ago, made tactical changes that resulted in an equalizer.
He introduced Dortmund star Sébastien Haller for the first time in this tournament, and his arrival almost immediately caused panic in Senegal’s defence. This created an opportunity for fellow substitute Franck Kessié, who forced a good save from Édouard Mendy before another substitute, Nicolas Pépé, attempted to lob Mendy.
Ivory Coast’s incredible come back
In the 85th minute, the Senegalese conceded a penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Pėpė. Kessié slotted the spot kick past Mendy, sending the game to extra time.
The Elephant continued to dominate possession in extra time as Senegal faded, but the scores remained tied after 120 minutes, forcing the game to penalty kicks.
Moussa Niakhaté’s penalty miss sealed the hosts’ progress, as his kick hit the post while every other attempt was perfect. Kessié, who sent the game to extra time with his spot kick, also converted the winning penalty in the shootout.
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Ivory Coast will now play the winner of tonight’s match between Mali and Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
