By Ronald Ocweo
First Half
The Ivory Coast Elephants overcame a difficult challenge in the 2023 African Cup of Nations by defeating the determined Senegalese Lions of Teranga in a penalty shootout. After a thrilling match that lasted through full and extra time, neither team was able to secure a victory. Ultimately, Ivory Coast emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
Having been the only side with a perfect record from the group stages, the Lions of Teranga seemed unfazed by the sweaty Elephants of Ivory Coast, who needed nothing but this clash to revitalize their nightmares in the group stages.
However, the Lions of Teranga needed no time to assert this narrative as forward Habib Diallo converted a Sadio Mane cross from close range to give the reigning champions an early lead in the 4th minute.
On the other hand, the elephants declined to settle for less as their hunger for an equalizer kept them tracking for opportunities to convert something through attempts from Seko Fofana, among other determined elephant players.
It should also be noted that Ivory Coast had a much improved performance compared to their previous outings in the group stages.
However, this was not enough to enable them to topple the Senegalese defense lines in the first half, as they went for the break trailing by a goal.
Second half
The hungry Lions of Teranga appeared to gain momentum during the opening stages of the second half, keeping the elephants busy with Sadio Mane asking several questions.
In an attempt to equalize the score, the Ivory Coast team brought in several attacking players, including Sebastien Haller from Dortmund, Simon Adingra from Brighton and Hove Albion, Frank Kessie from Al Ahli, and Nicholas Pepe from Trabzonspor. Their need for a goal was evident, and they hoped that these players would help them achieve it.
However, this would only intensify the clash on both sides, with several players booked for immense physicality by Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho.
The elephants didn’t seem worried, as they focused on equalizing the score. They dominated the game with strong ball possession and precise passing. Although they came close to scoring, their attempt was saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The defense line of Senegal was caught off guard during the attempt.
On the other hand, the Teranga Lions struggled to contain the heavy extant land mammal, who repeatedly resisted dangerous moves made by Senegal. However, Edouard Mendy fouled Nicholas Pepe in the box after an offensive play by the Ivorians, and as a result, a penalty was awarded for the Elephants after a VAR review.
Frank Kessie scored the equalizer from the spot in the 86th minute, deserving of their performance. This match ended in a draw, sending both teams to extra time to resolve their differences.
Both teams demonstrated matching attributes during extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the quarterfinalists of the 2023 AFCON.
However, Moussa Niakhate of Senegal fired through the goalpost before Frank Kessie sealed off a 5-4 win, sending Ivory Coast to the quarterfinals of the AFCON. The Ivory Coast team’s next match is scheduled for February 3rd, 2024.
