In a dramatic twist at AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast orchestrated a stunning last-16 victory against the reigning champions, Senegal. The hosts secured a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout win after the match concluded 1-1, even after extra time at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San-Pedro.
Senegal’s Early Promise and Ivory Coast’s Energetic Response
Initially, Senegal seemed on course to shatter the longstanding curse preventing defending champions from reaching the last eight since 2010. Habib Diallo’s clinical fourth-minute strike granted Senegal an early advantage. However, Ivory Coast responded with vigor, pushing Senegal into their own half. Despite their spirited efforts, the holders’ defense held resolute, confining Ivory Coast to a series of half-chances.
Ivory Coast’s Halftime Dilemma
Seko Fofana’s incisive run into a perilous area was masterfully thwarted by Niakhate, and Senegal nearly extended their lead just before halftime when Ismaila Sarr stumbled over a shooting opportunity. The 2015 champions, Ivory Coast, found themselves trailing at halftime, showcasing a stark improvement from their lackluster performance against Equatorial Guinea a week earlier, where they suffered a resounding 4-0 defeat.
Second-Half Dynamics and Missed Opportunities
Senegal’s Sarr threatened again early in the second half, yet Ivory Coast persisted, with Oumar Diakite orchestrating opportunities. A missed chance in the 74th minute, where Kessie’s free-kick was parried and blocked from a tight angle, added to the holders’ frustration. Substitute Nicolas Pepe, despite a significant miss, earned Ivory Coast a crucial penalty in the dying minutes after being fouled by Mendy in the box. Kessie’s composed finish forced the game into extra time as neither side could break the deadlock.
The Decisive Shootout and Ivory Coast’s Redemption
The additional half-hour failed to determine a winner, setting the stage for a decisive penalty shootout. Senegal, the lone team at this Nations Cup to win all three group games, faced Ivory Coast, aiming to evade a third consecutive defeat in the tournament.The shootout saw Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr score for Senegal, matched by Nicolas Pepe and Christian Kouame for Ivory Coast. A crucial miss from Moussa Niakhate tilted the scales in Ivory Coast’s favor. Sebastien Haller and captain Serge Aurier sealed the deal, with Sadio Mane keeping Senegal’s hopes alive. In a moment of redemption, Franck Kessie stepped up, securing the victory for the host nation.
The Road Ahead for the Elephants
The Elephants’ quarter-final, scheduled for Saturday at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, awaits them.They will face either Mali or Burkina Faso, with the latter playing their last-16 tie in Korhogo later tonight at 20:00 EAT. As Ivory Coast advances to the next stage of AFCON 2023, the team leaves a trail of anticipation and excitement, solidifying their standing as contenders in this prestigious tournament.
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