Trailing with a few minutes to go, Cote d’Ivoire managed to equalize on the wire before winning with the gong in overtime.
Cote d’Ivoire will indeed play the semi-finals of its African Cup. With their lucky star, the Elephants managed to overthrow Mali in their quarter in incredible circumstances. In the next round, they will challenge DR Congo for a place in the final.
Stunning Elephants
While there were a handful of seconds remaining in regulation time and the score was unfavorable to them, the Elephants, although reduced to ten, managed to get back on track thanks to a goal from returning Simon Adingra (1-1 ). In extra time, nothing changed until the final minute of play. Just before the referee’s final whistle, a free kick resulted in a volley from Seko Fofana, which was cleverly deflected by Diakité d ‘a heel.
Totally hoped for, Cote d’Ivoire managed to win its quarter-final and extend its run in this continental tournament. The Ivorians have the baraka on their side since the nightmare experienced against Equatorial Guinea during the last group match. A success also symbolized by the penalty stopped by Yahia Fofana in front of Adama Traoré at the very start of the game. Now, they can even dream of a consecration given that they are only one match away from the final.
Mali believed in it
The joy and happiness of the Elephants of course contrast with the disillusionment of the Malians. The latter fail for the 1e time in their history in the quarter-finals of the CAN. However, they greatly believed in it when Nene Dorgeles gave them the advantage in the 71ste.
The RB Salzburg midfielder hit the mark with a splendid strike from 20 meters after skilfully outwitting an onlooker. His unstoppable shot ended in the top corner. Seeing the leather lodge at the bottom, the Malian hero remained sober in his celebration given that he is a native of Ivory Coast. Finally, he will not have had to take on the costume of the “traitor”.
