Côte d'Ivoire join DR Congo in the semi-finals of AFCON 2023. The Elephants came from behind to defeat Mali, thanks in particular to a late extra-time goal.
Côte d'Ivoire in the last four of AFCON 2023.The Elephants snatched victory from Mali (2-1) in the quarter-finals on Saturday, February 2. The Ivorians were in a bad way in this match. Mali began the match with a bang, putting a lot of intensity into their play. The Malians could even have won a penalty in the 9th minute. Following a corner, the ball dragged, and when Niakaté fired in from close range, Kossounou touched the ball with his arm. However, after consulting VAR, the referee ruled that Mali's penalty was not due to Niakaté being offside.
However, Eric Sekou Chelle's men were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute for a foul by Kossounou in the box. But Mali never opened the scoring.Adama Traoré's shot was saved by Yahia Fofana. The Malians kept up their attacks, but struggled to find the final touch. Nevertheless, they pushed the Ivorians to the limit. Kossounou, at fault for the first penalty, was shown the red card in the 44th minute. Despite a number of Malian attacks, the two teams returned to the dressing room on a goalless draw.
Oumar Diakité delivers for Côte d'Ivoire
Mali dominated the second half, but failed to score. Despite their numerical superiority, the Eagles struggled to create any danger in their opponents' box. However, Nene Dorgeles gave his side the lead in the 71st minute. Dorgeles sent a powerful right-foot shot into the top corner of Fofana's net. Côte d'Ivoire were not to be denied, however. Simon Adingra, who came on for Jean Michel Seri in the 86th minute, equalized in the final minutes (90th) to send the two teams into extra time. And the worst was yet to come for Mali. Oumar Diakité gave Côte d'Ivoire a lifeline in the final minutes of extra time (120th). From a powerful Seko Fofana shot, he deflected the ball home with a back-heel (2-1). The Elephants will now contest the semi-finals of AFCON 2023.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇱 1-2 🇨🇮
That one of a kind clash ended at extra-time with The Elephants’ late winning goal! 🔥#MLICIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 3, 2024
