Cote d’Ivoire knock Senegal out of 2023 AFCON
In a dramatic round of 16 encounter, Cote d’Ivoire have knocked defending champions Senegal out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 4-5 penalty shootout victory on Monday January 29, 2024.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Cote d’Ivoire securing a 4-5 victory in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Senegal took an early lead with a goal from Habib Diallo in the 4th minute, putting them in a favorable position.
However, Cote d’Ivoire fought back, and in the 86th minute, substitute Franck Kessie scored from the penalty spot to level the scores at 1-1.
The game proceeded to extra time, but neither team could find a decisive goal. The fate of the match was then determined by a penalty shootout, where Cote d’Ivoire emerged victorious with a 4-5 score.
Ivorien midfielder, Franck Kessie, played a crucial role in the game, both scoring a penalty in regulation time and the decisive spokick, contributing to the host nation’s triumph over the defending champions. The result sparked wild celebrations in the stands and across the country, as the hosts advanced to the next stage of the tournament.