The host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire has defied every (odds) to reach the quarter-finals round after defeating the defending Champions Senegal in an explosive encounter last night.
Senegal, who won the 2021 edition of the AFCON title, lost on penalties following a 1-1 full time score line in Charles Konan Banny Stadium (Yamoussoukro).
Senegal got an early lead in the 4th minute through Al Shabab forward Habib Daillo strike. Côte d’Ivoire responded in the 86th minute via Frankie Kessie’s spot kick to level on the score line of 1-1—extending the game to an extra time of half an hour.
Without goals in the extra time, the game resorted to a penalty shoot out which saw Côte d’Ivoire score all of their 5 spot kicks. The only miss from Senegal was the third kick by Nottingham Forest—an unfortunate night for the 27 years.
Côte d’Ivoire made it to the round of 16 as one of the best losers, but they fans who still have some trust in the team in their mammoth crowd were seen in the stadium showering encomium to the national team.
Senegal will battle spirited Cape Verde, who defeated Mauritania in the quarter-finals round.
