Hosts Ivory Coast Stun Holder Senegal In AFCON Thriller

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire has secured a remarkable victory by defeating the defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a dramatic last 16 clash ended 1-1.

The decisive moment arrived when Frank Kessie confidently converted his kick, securing the Elephants’ place in the quarter-finals after senegal’s Mousaa Niakhate missed his penalty.

Teranga Lions kept their alive their hopes of retaining the title when they took an early lead through Habib Diallo’s 4th minute strike from Sadio Mane’s cross.

Despite Senegal’s initial advantage Ivory Coast, who controlled much of the ball possession, patiently waited until the 86th minute to level the score. This occurred from the penalty spot after Mendy fouled Pepe.

Initially denied by the referee, the penalty was awarded after VAR intervention.

Frank Kessie demonstrated composure as he calmly dispatched the penalty in front of the fervent home crowd.

Watch video highlight:

📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇸🇳 (4)1-1(5) 🇨🇮

The hosts came over on top in the penalty shootout after the added time ended in a draw! 💪#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #SENCIV | @Football2Gether— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 30, 2024

Jean Seri wins man of the match.

🇨🇮 Jean Seri 🇨🇮

Huge performance from the TotalEnergies Man of the Match in The Elephants’ crucial win over the title holders! ⭐️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #SENCIV | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/r5ZZ1vnaWL— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024