Ivory Coast defied the odds as they reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament on home soil after they came from behind to beat Mali 2-1 at Stade La Paix de Bouake on Saturday evening.
Initially, the Mali Eagles had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 18th minute. Kamoury Doumbia, who was brought down by Kolakou Odilon Kossounou, missed as his penalty was saved by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
The Ivorian Elephants suffered a blow when Kossounou was sent for an early shower following a second bookable offence a minute before half-time.
Second half substitute Dorgeles Nene broke the deadlock after he turned Franck Kessie before unleashing a scorcher psst Fofana from long range in the 71st minute.
Just as the Mali Eagles thought they had the match in the bag, Brighton and Hove Albion striker Simon Adingra popped up to level matters and sent the stadium into a frenzy in the 90th minute.
The match went into extra time and Oumar Diakite scored Ivory Coast’s winning goal right at the death. Diakite was unfortunately sent off as he received his second yellow card after taking off his shirt while celebrating his goal.
