• Sunday, May 19, 2024
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AFCON: Ivory Coast knock out holders Senegal

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Host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Ivory Coast knocked out reigning champions Senegal in a penalty shootout to book their place in the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Yamoussoukro.

Franck Kessie, who had scored from the spot four minutes from the end of normal time, converted the winning penalty to seal an extraordinary victory for the hosts, who redeemed themselves after a humiliating group-stage display which culminated in two defeats.

A last-16 thriller ended 1-1 after extra time with Habib Diallo scoring after four minutes and Franck Kessie equalised off a penalty four minutes from the end of regular time.

Kessie was the shootout hero, converting the decisive kick after Moussa Niakhate had struck the left post with the third Senegalese penalty.

A humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea last Monday did not dampen support for the host nation with supporters queueing from the middle of the night to buy tickets in the central city.

French coach Jean-Louis Gasset was fired after the record home loss and, after failing in an attempt to bring back former coach Herve Renard, the Elephants promoted assistant Emerse Fae.

Ivory Coast will play the winner between Mali and Burkina Faso, who play their last-16 tie in Korhogo on Tuesday in the quarter-final on Saturday.