Elephants Charge Into Semis: Ivory Coast Stun Mali in Dramatic AFCON Encounter
Bouaké, Ivory Coast – The Ivorian dream lives on! The Elephants edged out a determined Mali side 2-1 in a pulsating AFCON quarter-final, booking their place in the semi-finals and sending the home crowd into raptures.
The game was a tense affair, with both teams showcasing their strengths. Mali controlled possession for much of the first half, but the Ivorian defense held firm, marshaled by the ever-reliable Serge Aurier. The deadlock was finally broken in the 71st minute, when a surging run from Adama Traore culminated in a precise cross that found substitute Niambele Dorgeles, who nodded home to erupt the Bouaké crowd.
However, the lead was short-lived. As the clock ticked down, Ivory Coast poured forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion in the 90th minute, when substitute Simon Adingra pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home a thunderous strike, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
But the drama wasn’t over yet. Deep into extra time, Mali thought they had snatched victory when Dorgeles rose highest to meet a free-kick, only to see his header cannon off the crossbar. Undeterred, Ivory Coast continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 122nd minute. A perfectly-weighted cross from Nicolas Pepe found Ousmane Diakite, who rose above his marker to plant a powerful header into the net, sparking scenes of jubilation on the Ivorian bench and in the stands.
Despite a late Mali onslaught, the Ivorian defense held firm to secure a hard-fought victory. The win sends the Elephants into the semi-finals, where they will face either Cape Verde or South Africa, while leaving Mali’s AFCON dream shattered.
This victory is a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of the Ivorian team. After a rocky start to the tournament, they have found their form at the right time, and the home crowd has played a crucial role in their resurgence. Ivory Coast now stands just two wins away from AFCON glory, and their fans can dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.
Key Points:
- Ivory Coast defeat Mali 2-1 in a thrilling AFCON quarter-final.
- Goals from Simon Adingra and Ousmane Diakite secure the win for the Elephants.
- Niambele Dorgeles scores for Mali, but it’s not enough.
- Ivory Coast advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Cape Verde or South Africa.
Mali vs Ivory Coast full time score 1-2 – CAF AFCON 2023 Quarter final
Welcome to our live coverage of the quarterfinal clash between Mali and Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023. The Stade de la Paix in Bouaké is buzzing with excitement as the host nation, Ivory Coast, takes on the formidable Mali.
Mali vs Ivory Coast (1-2)
GOAL for Ivory Coast, 30+1
ET 21 mins: In Adingra and Haller, Ivory Coast have two attacking outlets that have really helped them since falling behind. If they can find either man in space in the next few minutes, they could create the decisive chance.
ET 20 mins: Nene slides it across the Ivorian six-yard box and it’s nearly a terrible moment for Singo as he almost turns it into his own net. It’s a corner instead.
Fofana continues to handle brilliantly from these Mali corners, catching the cross without too much pressure being applied to him.
Half time in extra time. Grab a quick cuppa, but don’t be long, we’ll have 15 more minutes to try and find a winner.
Boubacar Traore’s long-range shot was the only chance in the final couple of minutes of that first period.
ET 8 mins: Crossbar! Haller with the leap, the hang in the air and the header and you really felt he was going to score, after meeting Kouyate’s cross. But no, the woodwork denied him.
Then Adingra is flagged offside when trying to sneak it down the left.
ET 5 mins: Wasted pass after wasted pass. If Éric Chelle had hair, he’d be tearing it out right now. Mali must regain their composure.
ET 3 mins: I’d suggest Mali just need to keep the ball for a while, and that’s exactly what they’re doing now.
A correction from Joe Pearson:
12th man? Since they’re down one, isn’t the Ivory Coast crowd the 11th man?
Fair point.
Extra time begins
Fancy 30 more minutes of madness?
Oh, go on then. Mali kick off the first period of extra time.
FT: Mali 1-1 Ivory Coast
Into extra time we go!
Mali will be kicking themselves. It really seemed as if Nene Dorgeles’s thunderbolt was going to fire the Eagles into the semi-finals, but Ivory Coast continue to fight for their lives at their home tournament.
OH my WORD!! 😨
Simon Adingra has put Ivory Coast LEVEL against Mali in the final minutes of the game 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KLUCXMjZ7D
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 3, 2024
Mali vs Ivory Coast
90 mins + 3: Now I’m definitely allowed to say that extra-time is LOOMING.
90 mins + 2: The Peace Stadium of Bouaké is most certainly not peaceful at the moment. It’s loud, it’s bouncing and while Niakate receives some treatment after a clash with Haller in the buildup to that goal, everyone takes a short breather.
Added time: Seven minutes of it. The noise is deafening inside the stadium.
GOAL! Mali 1-1 Ivory Coast (Adingra, 90)
Adingra has made the impact! Bedlam!
89 mins: Mali have made a couple more changes, including taking off Sinayoko, who has arguably been the player of the match. A bit of game management is coming into it now from the Eagles, which is probably wise.
GOAL! Mali 1-1 Ivory Coast (Nene Dorgeles 71′)
What a goal from the substitute! It’s an incredible strike from range!
69 mins: I must admit to being disappointed by Mali. They should be bossing this game, applying endless pressure, but instead it’s scrappy and disjointed – the way the 10 men of Ivory Coast would want it.
Haller has been ploughing a lone furrow up top for the Elephants, a thankless task you’d say, but he’s finally getting a bit of service now.
Second Half under WAY
Half Time: Mali 0-0 Ivory Coast
Red Card to O. Kossounou of Ivory Coast 43′
40 mins: Mali 0-0 Ivory Coast: Traore shown yellow
Mali gets a representative in the yellow card brigade, courtesy of Traore.
Both sides are showing no remorse as we near the interval.
Live: Mali vs Ivory Coast (0-0)- CAF AFCON 2023 Quarterfinal
| 2 | Shots | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shots on target | 0 |
| 48% | Possession | 52% |
| 149 | Passes | 143 |
| 77% | Pass accuracy | 80% |
| 9 | Fouls | 7 |
| 1 | Yellow cards | 3 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 1 | Offsides | 1 |
| 2 | Corners | 0 |
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Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM GMT
Match Updates:
- 0′ Kick Off: The anthems have played, the teams are on the pitch, and the referee signals the start of the match. Both teams are vying for a spot in the semi-finals.
- 2′ Early Impetus: Mali showing composure in possession, while Ivory Coast is being more direct. Tackles are flying in as both teams seek control early in the game.
- 7′ Penalty Shout: Mali demands a penalty after a skirmish in the Ivory Coast box. VAR may take a look at the potential handball.
- 12′ Penalty Drama: VAR review ongoing for a potential handball. Meanwhile, Mali awarded a penalty for a mistimed challenge by Kossounou.
- 13′ Penalty Saved! Drama continues as Adama Traore’s penalty is saved by Ivory Coast’s Fofana. Mali misses a golden opportunity to take the lead.
- 20′ Daft Opening: The first 20 minutes have been filled with drama, including a penalty that never was and one that was saved. The atmosphere is raucous, with Ivory Coast fans making their presence felt.
- 28′ Franck Kessie Clears: Franck Kessie clears a corner, conceding another to Mali. The pressure is building, but Ivory Coast is holding firm defensively.
Stay tuned for live updates as the action unfolds in this crucial quarterfinal clash.
Live Updates: Mali vs Ivory Coast – CAF AFCON 2023 Quarterfinal
Published on February 3, 2024
Follow our live coverage for real-time updates on the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Mali and Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM (17:00 GMT)
Location: Bouake Stadium, Ivory Coast
Stay tuned as we bring you minute-by-minute updates, key moments, and highlights from this thrilling encounter. The battle for a spot in the semi-finals promises to be intense as Mali takes on the host nation, Ivory Coast.
Don’t miss out on the excitement as these two formidable teams compete for glory in the CAF AFCON 2023 quarterfinals. Keep refreshing for the latest updates!
