AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire oust Senegal in shootout, advances to quarterfinal

In a heart-stopping turn of events, hosts Cote d’Ivoire orchestrated a monumental upset, stunning defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties after extra time in a jaw-dropping clash at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, propelling them into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals.

The electrifying encounter commenced with Senegal’s explosive start, securing a lead just four minutes in. Sadio Mane’s impeccable cross found Habib Diallo, who artfully chested down the ball before unleashing a thunderous shot into the top corner.

The raucous home crowd, initially silenced, witnessed a remarkable turnaround as the hosts, led by Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri, gradually seized control. Ibrahim Sangare’s relentless wing threat and the striking duo of Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe kept Senegal’s defense on the edge.

Despite a barrage of near misses, Senegal’s defensive wall, commanded by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, held firm in the first half. The turning point arrived in the 86th minute, with Pepe brought down in the box, leading to a VAR-reviewed penalty expertly converted by Kessie, igniting a frenzy among the home supporters.

Extra time brought nail-biting chances for both sides, but the deadlock persisted. The climax unfolded in a penalty shootout, each side converting their first four penalties. In a twist of fate, Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort hit the upright, paving the way for Kessie to hammer home the winning kick, completing a remarkable redemption for the hosts.

After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire’s resilience and spirit proved unparalleled as they dethroned Senegal, forcing them to relinquish their title. Led by Captain Serge Aurier, the unfancied hosts emerge triumphant, throwing the AFCON quarterfinals into a chaotic maelstrom. The defending champions are out, and the redemption saga of the Elephants continues in dramatic style.