In a pulsating quarterfinal encounter at the AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast emerged victorious over Mali in a nail-biting contest that showcased the epitome of African football spirit. The match, which ended 2-1 in favor of the Elephants, was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with drama, suspense, and sheer brilliance on the pitch.From the onset, Mali stamped their authority, dominating the opening minutes with relentless attacks. Lassine Sinayoko spearheaded their offensive onslaught, posing a constant threat to the Ivory Coast defense. However, despite Mali’s early dominance, fortune favored the Elephants as they weathered a storm of attacks.In the 11th minute, Ivory Coast survived a scare when Kouakou Kossounou handled the ball in the box, prompting a VAR review. Fortunately for the Elephants, the decision was overturned as a Mali player was deemed offside during the incident, sparing them from conceding an early penalty.But Mali’s persistence paid off in the 15th minute when Kouakou committed another foul on Sinayoko inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Adama Traore stepped up to take the spot-kick but was thwarted by an exceptional save from Ivory Coast goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, preserving his side’s clean sheet.##NAJAVA_MECA_7845154##However, Ivory Coast’s task became more daunting when Kossounou received his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card in the 43rd minute, reducing them to ten men just before halftime. Sensing the urgency, Ivory Coast’s coach made tactical substitutions, with Nicolas Pepe making way for Wilfried Singo to bolster the defense.Second half AFCON 2023: Wissa loving responsibility to fly DR Congo’s flag highDespite being a man down, Ivory Coast showed resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Mali took the lead in the 71st minute through Dorgeles Nene’s stunning strike from outside the box, sending shockwaves through the Ivory Coast. But just when it seemed all hope was lost, Simon Andigra, the Brighton EPL star, rose to the occasion, leveling the score with a crucial tap-in from close range in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time.Extra timeThe drama didn’t end there as Ivory Coast’s Sebastien Haller came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock with a powerful header that rattled the crossbar in the 95th minute of extra time. With tensions running high and the clock ticking away, it was Oumar Diakité who emerged as the hero for Ivory Coast, delivering the decisive blow in the dying moments of the game, sealing a memorable victory for the Elephants.Abidjan is going crazy right now!#AFCON2023 #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/FNuybNCdHJ— Jeff Kinyanjui (@_JeffKinyanjui) February 3, 2024 Ivory Coast will now face DR Congo, who beat Guinea in a quarterfinal clash played on Friday, in the semifinal.AFCON 2023 – QUARTER-FINALSFridayNigeria – Angola 1-0 (1-0)/Lookman 41/DR Congo – Guinea 3-1 (1-1)/Mbemba 27, Wissa 65 pen, Masuaku 82 – Bayo 20 pen/SaturdayMali – Ivory Coast 1-2 (0-0)/Nene 71 – Andigra 89, Diakite 120+2/23:00: (2.65) Cape Verde (3.05) S.Africa (2.90)***odds are subject to change***
