AFCON 2023 : Ten -Man Cote d’Ivoire beat Mali, book Semi-Final ticket
Host nation, Cote d’Ivoire Saturday night put up a superlative performance
to defeat Mali and progress to the semi-finals of the ongoing AFCON finals.
The Elephants came from behind to score in the final minutes of regulation and extra time to reach the Africa Cup of Nations last four for the second time since winning the title in 2015 after beating Mali 2-1.
The Ivorians played most of the quarter-final fixture at Stade de Bouaké with ten men after defender Kouakou Odilon Dorgeless was expelled on 43 minutes for a second bookable offence, having being earlier cautioned on 16 minutes.
Mali would have taken the lead earlier after a spot-kick was awarded to them as a result of Kossounou bundling into Lassine Sinayoko in the box. Adama Traoré steeped up to take the penalty kick, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
Nene Dorgeles eventually broke the deadlock in the 71st minute, as he produced a glorious curling finish from outside of the area into the top-right corner to stun the Stade de la Paix, following up with muted celebrations.
The goal brought the Elephants out of their shell in search of an equaliser, with the packed stadium rooting for them and applauding every attempt to venture upfront.
Their efforts paid off on the dot of 90 minutes, when Simon Adingra slammed the ball home with his right leg in between two Mali defenders in a goal mouth scramble.
The scoreline remained the same after seven minutes of added time, forcing the match into extra time, where a twist in the tail occurred with Ivory Coast scoring the match winner two minutes into added time of extra time.
Oumar Diakité, who was a constant thorn in the flesh of Mali defenders, was hacked down close to the corner flag on the right flank. Almost all spectators stood as the ensuing free-kick found Seko Fofana, whose right-footed pile driver was stylishly flicked into the net by Diakite.
The stadium erupted in celebration as the 20-year-old took off his shirt and got red-carded by the referee for a second bookable offence, having earlier been booked in the 111st minute.
The Reims forward wept profusely, knowing he would miss the semi-final clash with Congo DR on Wednesday, February 7, at Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Largely undone by inexperience, Mali failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and have themselves to blame for losing a match they had under their control.
