2024-02-13 01:57:43
In an epic match, the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire created the feat by beating Mali 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Reduced to 10 in the 35th minute, they showed exceptional courage to finally win at the end of the suspense thanks to goals from their young hopes Simon Adingra and Oumar Diakité.
An explosive start to the match
The match started very strongly with two contentious actions in the Ivorian area in the 12th and 23rd minutes. But goalkeeper Yaya Fofana repelled the penalty conceded by Kossonou for a handball, sent off before half-time for a second foul in the position of last defender. Ultra-dominant, the Malian Eagles logically ended up opening the score in the 67th minute with an exploit from their nugget Néné Dorgelès.
Ivory Coast does not abdicate
Cornered, the teammates of Sébastien Haller and Seko Fofana did not give up. Coach Emerse Fae created a surprise by bringing in young midfielder Simon Adingra in the 76th minute, who energized the Elephants’ play. On a cross from Fofana, the latter equalized in the 90th minute, provoking an explosion of joy from the public committed to the Ivorian cause. Head for overtime.
A completely crazy end to the match
During the first half, Ivory Coast took control, going close to scoring with a header off Haller’s bar. The scenario had its craziest finale when on a long shot from Fofana, Diakité, who came on 10 minutes earlier, deflected the ball with a sumptuous volley in the 120th minute to give his team the victory (2 -1) ! There was total jubilation on the Ivorian side even if it was tarnished by the expulsion of Malian captain Traoré for protest. What a match and what suspense! Ivory Coast will face the DRC in the semi-final on February 7 at the Ebimpé Olympic stadium. The dream of a continental title remains possible!