3rd February, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Ten-man Cote d’Ivoire stunned Mali 2-1 on Saturday to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations hosted by the country.
The first half ended goalless, but the Ivorians had to lick their wounds as Odilon Kossounou was shown a second yellow card for his foul in the 43rd minute.
Earlier in the 16th minute, Adama Traore wasted a huge opportunity to score from the penalty spot. He attempted to slot into the bottom right corner, but Yahia Fofana pulled off a superb save.
Mali took the lead in the 71st minute of the match. Dorgeles Nene wove his way past opponents, and he unleashed a magnificent effort from the edge of the box into the top right corner.
Cote d’Ivoire equalised in the 90th minute to send the match into extra-time. Simon Adingra was in the right place at the right time to get to the rebound inside the box and gleefully rifled the ball into the left side of the goal.
In the 96th minute, Sebastien Haller had a good opportunity when he latched on to a cross from the wing, but his header from the six-yard box was not accurate enough and the ball glanced away off the bar.
The match was heading for shootouts when Oumar Diakite scored in the 122nd minute to give Cote d’Ivoire a 2-1 win. He latched onto the ball inside the box and scored a fantastic back-heel goal.
Diakite, who had earlier received a yellow card was sent off for taken off his shirt to celebrate his goal.