In a thrilling match played last night, the hosts of AFCON 2023, Ivory Coast, managed to knock out defending champions Senegal on penalties 5-4 after the game ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
Senegal scored an early goal through Habib Diallo in the 4th minute, but Ivory Coast equalized in the 86th minute with a penalty kick taken by Franck Kessie.
In the penalty shootout, Ivory Coast showed great skill and won 5-4, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Many did not have high expectations for Ivory Coast in this tournament, after a stuttering performance in the group stage. They won only one match out of three, and only qualified for the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, this victory against Senegal has shown the determination of Ivory Coast, and they now look like a threat to any team they come up against.
They will face the winner of the Mali vs Burkina Faso match in the quarter-finals, which will be played tomorrow.
Key Points From The Match:
- Senegal scored an early goal through Habib Diallo in the 4th minute.
- Ivory Coast equalized in the 86th minute with a penalty kick taken by Franck Kessie.
- Ivory Coast won 5-4 in the penalty shootout.
- Ivory Coast will face the winner of the Mali vs Burkina Faso match in the quarter-finals.
This win is special for Ivory Coast because:
- They knocked out defending champions Senegal.
- They reached the quarter-finals despite a poor start to the tournament.
- They have shown the determination and ability to win the AFCON 2023 title.
Ivory Coast fans are now full of hope for their team, and they believe they can win the AFCON title for the first time since 1992.
