2023 AFCON: 10-Man Ivory Coast Secure Semi-final Slot To Face DR Congo

2023 AFCON: 10-Man Ivory Coast Secure Semi-final Slot To Face DR Congo

By Sampson Adedeji

Ivory Coast pulled off a stunt against Mali by qualifying for the semi-finals of the African Cup from a defeated position, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Oumar Diakite decided against Mali in the second minute of extra time when Ivory Coast had already been down to ten men.

Ivory Coast had great difficulty creating opportunities. Mali did get an excellent opportunity to score the opening goal early in the match when Adama Traoré failed from the penalty spot in the sixteenth minute.

Just before halftime, Ivory Coast suffered a major setback. Defender Odilon Kossounou received his second yellow card and therefore red for a rather clumsy foul on Lassina Sinayoko. 

Dorgeles Nene put Mali ahead in the 71st minute before Simon Adingra equalised later in the game to force extra time 

Oumar Diakite scored the winning goal in the extra time to hand the host the semi-final ticket.

Ivory Coast will face DR Congo in the semi-finals on Wednesday.