Ivory Coast overcame reigning champions Senegal in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their spot in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw in Yamoussoukro.
The hosts, who displayed resilience after a challenging group stage, witnessed Senegal’s Habib Diallo scoring in the fourth minute. However, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie equalized with a late penalty in regulation time.
Senegal had an early lead when Diallo connected with a cross from Sadio Mane. Despite this, Ivory Coast gradually gained control, showcasing a much-improved performance compared to their previous group-stage struggles.
Sekou Fofana and Oumar Diakite were instrumental in Ivory Coast’s push for an equalizer. Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr posed threats in the second half, and there was controversy as VAR dismissed claims for a penalty after a challenge on Sarr.
The turning point came when Nicolas Pepe was fouled by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the box. Initially waved off, VAR intervention led to the awarding of a penalty, converted by Kessie.
Extra time saw missed opportunities for both teams, with Ivory Coast’s Simon Adringa and Serge Aurier squandering chances. The deadlock persisted, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Senegal’s Moussa Niakhate’s miss gave Ivory Coast the advantage, and Kessie sealed their victory in the shootout. The hosts, who redeemed themselves after a challenging group stage, now advance to the quarter-finals.
Ivory Coast will face either Mali or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals, while Senegal exits the tournament after a dramatic contest.
