Ivory Coast beats Senegal to make it to the AFCON Quarterfinals. The defending champions, Senegal, took the lead in the first half of the encounter, but the Ivory Coast came back strongly and equalized in the second half to push the 6th round of 16 clash at the 2023 AFCON into extra time and penalty kicks. In the end, it was a painful loss and a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for… who will be facing Cape Verde in the quarterfinals.
Hosts Ivory Coast put a disastrous group campaign behind them on Monday to beat holders Senegal 5-4 on penalties and book an Africa Cup of quarter-final spot.
Ivory Coast defied the odds and their inconsistent form to pull off a stunning upset against defending champions Senegal, winning 5-4 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16.
Despite Senegal’s dominant group stage performance and early lead through Abdou Diallo’s strike, the hosts battled back and earned a crucial equaliser from Franck Kessie’s late penalty. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, sending the game to a nerve-wracking shootout.
There, the Ivorians held their nerve, with goalkeeper Badr Sangare the hero after saving Bouna Sarr’s penalty. The victory sends Ivory Coast through to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Mali or Burkina Faso.
READ: Senegal vs Ivory Coast: AFCON 2023 Head-to-Head, Prediction and Facts
Senegal’s Perfect Run Ends:
Senegal, who entered the match boasting a perfect record in the group stage, were clearly the favorites. Sadio Mane and his teammates started strong, taking the lead early on. However, they struggled to maintain their dominance and allowed Ivory Coast back into the game.
Emerse Fae’s Brave Gamble Pays Off:
With their backs against the wall, Ivory Coast’s interim coach, Emerse Fae, made some bold substitutions, including bringing on Kessie, who converted the crucial penalty. His changes helped shift the momentum in the hosts’ favour, ultimately leading to their dramatic victory.
Match Highlights:
- Senegal took the lead in the 21st minute through Abdou Diallo’s powerful strike.
- Franck Kessie’s penalty kick in the 84th minute gave Ivory Coast a point.
- The game remained tied after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout.
- Ivory Coast prevailed 4-3 in the shootout, with Badr Sangare saving the decisive penalty.