AFCON 2023: Hosts Ivory Coast beat defending champions Senegal on penalties

 

Following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Yamoussoukro, hosts Ivory Coast defeated reigning champions Senegal on penalties to go to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.

Franck Kessie, who had scored from the spot four minutes before the conclusion of normal time, converted the decisive penalty to secure an amazing triumph for the hosts, who redeemed themselves after a dismal group-stage performance that included two defeats.

Senegal had a great start, with Habib Diallo scoring in the fourth minute off a Sadio Mane pass.

The Elephants will face Mali or Burkina Faso in their quarter-final on Saturday (17:00 GMT), while the last-16 tie will be played in Korhogo on Tuesday (17:00 GMT).

Both of the previous edition’s finalists have been released. Egypt last night, and Senegal today. The defeated finalists and reigning champions compete on consecutive evenings.