Hosts Cote d’Ivoire Tames Senegal After Penalty Shootout
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts Cote d’Ivoire pulled off a major shock by knocking out defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties, advancing to the quarter-finals after a dramatic last 16 thriller ended 1-1, at the Stade de Yamoussoukro.
Senegal featured a front-three of Habib Diallo, Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr as the champions looked to make a mark in the competition. For the Ivorians, Jean-Philippe Krasso started in attack, with Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangare commanding the midfield.
Lineups for The Lions of Teranga & The Elephants are in. 🇸🇳🇨🇮#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #SENCIV pic.twitter.com/9X82Mz9tq0
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024
The thrilling encounter promised to deliver goal-mouth action and wild celebrations, along with twists and turns.
In the 4th minute, the Teranga Lions displayed intentions of retaining their AFCON title when they took an early lead through Habib Diallo’s strike from Sadio Mane’s cross.
But the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire refused to surrender in front of its passionate home fans in Yamoussoukro on Monday night and more was to come.
Cote d’Ivoire then equalised from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, when Franck Kessie coolly converted after a foul was committed in the Senegal box.
With the scores still level after extra time, the tie went to a penalty shootout with the fans in the stadium jubilating after witnessing two of Africa’s finest slug it out.
Few gave the Elephants hope coming into this last 16 clash against star-studded Senegal. However, Senegal’s Moussa Niakhate missed his penalty in the shoot-out as the holders crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2023 AFCON tournament has delivered yet another spectacle, mixed with shock results, dazzling performances and witnessing thrilling tackles that would leave you with hands in head.
The result blows the AFCON tournament wide open as defending champions Senegal are out and the underdogs march on in dramatic style.
⌚ FULL-TIME!
Cote d’Ivoire are through after an intense penalty shootouts! 🇨🇮#SENCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/kBtagLEzWX
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024
In the other result of the day, Cape Verde beat Mauritania 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals after Ryan Mendes’ strike was enough to seal progression, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Biogny in Abidjan.
Cote d’Ivoire will now face the winner of Tuesday’s last-16 tie between Mali and Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
