In a thrilling quarter-final at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, the Elephants were dealt an early blow when Odilon Kossounou conceded a penalty and was sent off in the first half for fouling Lassine Sinayoko.
The Ivorian national football team played against the Malian national team in a thrilling match during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). In the first half, the Ivorians were awarded a penalty kick, but Adama Traore’s shot was saved by the Malian goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. The game remained level at the break.
In the 71st minute, Mali’s substitute Nene Dorgeles scored from outside the box, giving the Eagles the lead. However, the Ivorians fought back and Simon Adingra equalized after Seko Fofana’s shot was saved and he pounced on the rebound. The game went to extra time, where keeper Fofana made more impressive saves to keep Mali at bay.
As the match looked set to go to penalties, Oumar Diakete scored a dramatic late winner for Ivory Coast with a clever backheel finish in the 119th minute. The Ivorians once again showed their fighting spirit to stun another big rival and keep their AFCON dream alive.
The team will face DR Congo in the semi-finals at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Wednesday, 07 February.
