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Ivory Coast reached the AFCON quarter-finals by beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw
Ivory Coast secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by defeating defending champions Senegal in a penalty shootout. The match, featuring a goal from Habibou Diallo and a late equalizer by Franck Kessie, remained level after 90 minutes and extra time. The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, with Kessie scoring the winning penalty. Ivory Coast’s next opponent will be Mali or Burkina Faso.
Franck Kessie emerged as the hero for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations as his composed penalty secured a 5-4 shootout victory over reigning champions Senegal. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in the last-16 tie, leading to extra time. Kessie, initially benched by interim coach Emerse Fae, leveled the score with a calmly converted penalty in the 86th minute, nullifying Habib Diallo’s early goal. Kessie then sealed the win with the decisive spot-kick after Moussa Niakhate’s miss gave the Elephants an advantage at Stade Charles Konan Banny.
Sadio Mane missed a crucial opportunity to extend Senegal’s lead just before Ivory Coast’s equalizer. The leveling goal occurred after referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho reversed his decision not to penalize Edouard Mendy for a foul on Nicolas Pepe. Despite Mane scoring Senegal’s final penalty in the shootout, Franck Kessie’s composure during the decisive moments completed a remarkable turnaround for Ivory Coast. The team, barely advancing through the group stage, faced disruptions since their 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. Diallo initially put Senegal ahead in the third minute, but Ivory Coast regained momentum when substitutes Pepe and Kessie were introduced by coach Emerse Fae during the second half.
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Kessie made an immediate impact, forcing Edouard Mendy into an impressive double save. While Ivory Coast had moments of luck, especially with Mane missing an opportunity, they capitalized on it. A superb pass from Sebastian Haller set up Pepe, who was fouled by Mendy. After a VAR check, Kessie confidently converted the resulting penalty.
Yahia Fofana played a crucial role in denying Mane during extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Senegal faced setbacks when Niakhate’s attempt hit the left-hand post. With the weight of national expectations, Kessie, for the second time, delivered under pressure, securing a quarter-final berth against either Mali or Burkina Faso.
DISCUSSION POINT – FAE RESTORES OPTIMISM, BEYOND JUST PRIDE
There were raised eyebrows when Fae opted not to include Kessie or Pepe in the starting lineup, but his decision to bring them on proved to be well-timed.
Kessie showcased his top form, reminiscent of his performances for Milan, where he played a pivotal role in winning the Serie A title in 2021-22. Meanwhile, Pepe created chaos for Senegal’s defense.
What initially seemed like an effort to salvage pride turned into a potential heroic journey for Fae as he guides the Elephants forward.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – FRANCK KESSIE (IVORY COAST)
While Mendy deserves recognition for his excellent saves for Senegal, Kessie emerged as the game-changer. Although his absence from the starting lineup might have disappointed him, the former Barcelona midfielder is likely to secure a spot in Fae’s XI for the upcoming rounds. Kessie’s superb performance, including two world-class penalties, capped off a remarkable cameo.
PLAYER ASSESSMENTS
Senegal:
- E. Mendy: 8
- Koulibaly: 7
- A. Diallo: 7
- Niakhate: 6
- Diatta: 8
- Camara: 6
- P. Sarr: 6
- Jakobs: 6
- I. Sarr: 6
- H. Diallo: 7
Mane: 6
- Substitutes: Gueye: 6, Ndiaye: 5, Jackson: 5, Dieng: 6.
Ivory Coast:
- Y. Fofana: 7
- Aurier: 6
- Kossounou: 6
- Ndicka: 7
- Konan: 6
- Sangare: 5
- Seri: 6
- S. Fofana: 8
- Diakite: 6
- Krasso: 6
Gradel: 6
- Substitutes: Adingra: 6, Haller: 7, Kessie: 9*, Kouame: 6, Pepe: 8, Singa: 6.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
4’ – GOAL! Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast (Diallo): Senegal takes an early lead as Habib Diallo scores a brilliant goal from Mane’s superb cross. Diallo controls the ball and delivers a powerful finish, leaving Ivory Coast goalkeeper Fofana with no chance. Senegal leads 1-0!
73’ – DOUBLE SAVE! Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast: Mendy showcases excellent goalkeeping with a double save to keep Senegal in the lead. A deep free-kick causes trouble for Senegal’s defense, and Kessie’s header is first denied by Mendy, who quickly follows up to block Kessie’s rebound attempt. Impressive goalkeeping!
75’ – HUGE CHANCE FOR MANE! Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast: Mane misses a clear opportunity to make it 2-0 after a brilliant exchange with Sarr. Despite a wide-open goal, Mane slices his strike wide. Will Senegal regret this miss?
83’ – PENALTY GIVEN! Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast: Referee initially waves off Ivory Coast’s appeals for a penalty, but VAR overturns the decision. Haller’s excellent ball allows Pepe to go one-on-one with Mendy, who fouls him in the box. Decision reversed, and Ivory Coast gets a lifeline!
86’ – GOAL! Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast (Kessie): Kessie converts a crucial penalty with composure, leveling the score at 1-1. The stadium erupts as Ivory Coast aims for a comeback.
105’ – GREAT SAVE! Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Fofana makes a crucial stop in extra time, rushing out to smother the danger as Mane attempts to capitalize on Diatta’s pass. Another missed opportunity for Senegal.
PEN – OFF THE POST! Senegal 2-2 Ivory Coast: Niakhate’s casual run-up results in a missed penalty, hitting the left-hand post. Ivory Coast now has a significant chance to capitalize on the error.
PEN – GOOOOOALLLLLL!!! Kessie secures the win with a sublime penalty, sealing a 5-4 victory for Ivory Coast. The AFCON holders exit, and Ivory Coast advances to the quarter-finals in dramatic fashion.
