WAFU-B U20: Côte D’Ivoire Beats Benin To Reach Final
Côte d’Ivoire have qualified for the final of the WAFU-B Under-20 Boys Cup after a 3-2 penalty shootout win against Benin on Monday night.
The Baby Elephants and Junior Cheetahs played out a four-goal thriller in regulation time that finished 2-2. But Côte d’Ivoire prevailed 3-2 on penalties to set up a final clash with Burkina Faso.
In a semi-final full of twists and turns, Benin stunned the home side and favourites by taking the lead inside two minutes through a long-range strike from Alassane Maboumou. The Baby Elephants eventually restored parity on 15 minutes when Oumar Konaté finished off a slick team move.
However, the Ivorian defence was carved open again in the 35 minute as Sohbour Roufai slotted home to put Benin back in front. With the score at 2-1 going into first half stoppage time, Konaté won a penalty for Côte d’Ivoire after being fouled in the area. Abdramane Konaté stepped up and coolly converted to make it 2-2 at the break.
Chances came and went for both sides after the restart, but the scores remained level to force a tense penalty shootout. Cote d’Ivoire goalkeeper Irie Bi Gohi emerged as the shoot-out hero, making a crucial stop to help his nation claim a 3-2 victory.
“I thank the fans for their support,” said Cote d’Ivoire coach Lassina Dao. “The players were motivated until the end. We will fight in the final for the thousands of Ivorians who have believed in us.”
Côte d’Ivoire will now face Burkina Faso in the final on Thursday after they defeated Togo 1-0 in the other semi-final thanks to an 85th minute winner from Abdoul Ouattara.
It sets up a mouthwatering West African derby between the tournament’s two remaining unbeaten teams. Côte d’Ivoire will be hoping Konaté can continue his goalscoring form to fire them to glory.
Jane Iyabode Aluko.
