AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast Stun Mali To Book Semi-finals Spot

Nations Cup hosts, Ivory Coast scored a late goal in extra-time to beat Mali 2-1 which confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Elephants, who qualified for the second round as one of the best losers continued their remarkable journey in the competition in a dramatic manner.

Oumar Diakite scored a delightful flick in the last minute of extra-time to break the hearts of the Malians.

Mali put the hosts under immense pressure in the opening moments of the game, while creating a couple of chances which they could not convert.

Their dominance was rewarded with a penalty in the eighth minute, but Adama Traore’s left-footed shot was saved by Yahia Fofana.

Odilon Kossounou was sent off for Ivory Coast just before halftime after two bookable offences.

Nene Dorgeles scored a stunning shot outside the box to give Mali the lead against the run of play.

Adingra brought Ivory Coast back into the game with an equaliser in the 90th minute to send the game into extra-time.

The first half of the extra time ended 1-1, but the hosts produced a stunning moment with the winning goal in the stoppage time of extra time when Diakite produced a sublime back flick finish to send the supporters into wild jubilations.

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