10-man Côte d’Ivoire came from behind to beat Mali 2-1 and qualify for the Semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Nene Dorgeles had put Mali in the lead but a leveler from Simon Adingra and an Oumar Diakite last minute goal in extra time sent the Elephants through in dramatic fashion.
In this highly anticipated clash played in Bouake it was the Malians who started on a high note pushing the hosts against the ropes.
The Elephants curved under pressure and conceded a penalty with Odilon Kossounou committing the foul on Lassine Sinayoko.
Adama Traoré failed to convert the penalty with Yahia Fofana saving to his left.
Côte d’Ivoire were reduced to 10 men, Kossounou getting his second yellow card for a foul on Sinayoko again.
Mali then went ahead in the 71st minute with Nene Dorgeles’ screamer catching Fofana off guard with no chance to save it. The youngster raised his hands and refused to celebrate given his Ivorian roots.
Simon Adingra rescued the Elephants from oblivion as he leveled the game just on the 90th minute mark to send the match to extra time.
With the momentum shifting to the hosts, it was the 10-men who looked more lively and dangerous. Sebastian Haller nearly got a goal when he headed against the crossbar.
Just when the game was headed for penalties, Oumar Diakite was the hero as he flicked a shot by Seko Fofana into the net to send the home crowd into delirious cheers.
Diakite was sent off after being shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating but that did not matter.
A dramatic end to the match as the Côte d’Ivoire march on to the Semifinals to meet DR Congo.
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