Ivory Coast Shocks Senegal in Shootout, Advances to Quarterfinals

Ivory Coast Shocks Senegal in Shootout, Advances to Quarterfinals

Côte d’Ivoire, the hosts, orchestrated a stunning upset, prevailing 5-4 on penalties against defending champions Senegal in the TotalEneriges CAF Africa Cup of Nations, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

In a charged atmosphere at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Senegal seized an early lead just four minutes into the game. Sadio Mane’s exceptional cross found Habib Diallo, who calmly controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner.

Despite the early setback, the hosts gradually found their rhythm, showcasing intricate midfield interplay between Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri. Ibrahim Sangare posed a constant threat on the wing, while strikers Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe stretched Senegal’s defense.

Although the Elephants dominated the first half, Senegal’s defensive duo of Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo thwarted numerous attempts. The halftime score stood at 0-1.

Senegal almost doubled their lead early in the second half, with Ismaila Sarr’s attempt requiring a fingertip save. Undeterred, Côte d’Ivoire persisted, and the game’s turning point came in the 86th minute. Nicolas Pepe was brought down in the box, and after VAR intervention, Franck Kessie calmly converted the penalty, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

In extra time, both teams had opportunities, but the scores remained level. The subsequent shootout saw each side score their first four penalties. However, when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort hit the post, Kessie stepped up to secure victory, completing a remarkable comeback for the hosts.

After a challenging group stage, Côte d’Ivoire displayed resilience to dethrone Senegal, who relinquished their title. Led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts defied expectations, securing redemption and progressing to the next stage.

This unexpected result has wide-reaching implications for the tournament, as the defending champions exit, and the underestimated hosts continue their journey in dramatic fashion.

MATCH FACTS:

Côte d’Ivoire participated in their 11th penalty shootout in the Africa Cup of Nations, the highest in the competition. They won five of these shootouts, second only to Egypt (6).

Côte d’Ivoire advanced to the quarter-finals for the 11th time in AFCON history, a record shared with Ghana, Tunisia, and Nigeria.

Senegal failed to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, breaking a streak that lasted seven editions. This continues the trend of the title holder not reaching the quarter-finals since Egypt in 2010.

Habib Diallo’s early goal after 4 minutes marked the quickest goal conceded by Côte d’Ivoire in AFCON since 1990 and the earliest goal by a host nation in an AFCON match since 1968.

Franck Kessié became the first Ivorian player to score a penalty goal in AFCON since Didier Drogba in 2006 and the first in a knockout game since Lucien Kassi-Kouadio in 1986.

Sadio Mane delivered his third assist in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the most by a Senegalese player in a single edition since 2010.

Jean Michaël Seri completed an impressive 95.5% of his passes against Senegal, showcasing exceptional accuracy in an AFCON knockout game