Underperforming host nation Ivory Coast pulled off a stunning upset by knocking out defending champions Senegal in a thrilling round of 16 encounter. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout where Ivory Coast emerged victorious, defeating Senegal 5-4 on penalties.
But Senegal finally cracked on 86 minutes when Mendy fouled Pepe and, after a VAR review, the referee changed his decision not to award a spot-kick and Franck Kessie calmly converted it. With this remarkable victory, Ivory Coast secured their spot in the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the impressive Cape Verde.
Senegal, once again succumbing to what seems like a Cup of Nations curse, became the seventh consecutive titleholder to be eliminated before reaching the quarterfinals. The last team to successfully defend their title beyond the round of 16 was Egypt in 2008.
Despite a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea the previous Monday, support for the host nation remained unwavering, with fans queuing from the middle of the night to purchase tickets in the central city. The loss led to the dismissal of French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, who was promptly replaced by assistant coach Emerse Fae after an unsuccessful attempt to bring back former coach Herve Renard.
The clash between Ivory Coast and Senegal showcased a stark contrast in their performances during the group stage. Senegal comfortably topped Group D by defeating the Gambia, Cameroon, and Guinea, securing a maximum of nine points. On the other hand, Ivory Coast managed only three points with a negative goal difference, having lost to Nigeria. However, they squeezed through as the last of the four best third-placed teams, setting the stage for an intense west African showdown.
As the AFCON 2023 unfolds, the unexpected twists and turns continue to captivate football fans around the continent. Ivory Coast’s triumph over Senegal serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the tournament, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming quarterfinal clash against Cape Verde.
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