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Dramatic Victory: Ivory Coast's Late Heroics Seal Semi-Final Spot in AFCON

Cataleya

February 05, 2024 · 1 min read

Dramatic Victory: Ivory Coast's Late Heroics Seal Semi-Final Spot in AFCON

FootBall | February 05, 2024

Odilon Kossounou was received two yellow cards for fouls on Lassine Sinayoko, one occurring inside the penalty area and the other just outside. (Image: Reuters)

Host nation Ivory Coast staged a dramatic comeback in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Mali securing a 3-2 victory in extra time. Despite playing with 10 men for most of the match after Odilon Kossounou’s first-half dismissal, Ivory Coast equalized with Simon Adingra’s late goal in regular time.

Oumar Diakite’s 122nd-minute winner secured the victory but he received a second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration making him unavailable for the semi-final against DR Congo. The match ended in controversy with Mali players protesting the decisive goal leading to a red card for Hamari Traore.

Ivory Coast’s remarkable journey in the tournament continues overcoming challenging situations to reach the semi-finals. Mali on the other hand faced disappointment with their quarter-final jinx against Ivory Coast persisting.