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AFCON 2023: Cote d’Ivoire Stun Holders Senegal In Shootout, Reach Quarter-Finals

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Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire pulled off a monumental upset by defeating defending champions, Senegal 5-4 on penalties, after extra time to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals.

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In front of a raucous home crowd at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Senegal made a blistering start and took the lead just four minutes into the match.

A superb cross from Sadio Mane found Habib Diallo, who calmly chested the ball down before firing a rocket into the top corner.

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Stunned by conceding so early, the hosts gradually grew into the game with neat interplay in midfield between Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri.

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Ibrahim Sangare posed a constant threat on the wing while strikers Sebastien Haller and Nicolas Pepe stretched Senegal’s defence.

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The Elephants had the better of the first half but in spite several near misses, a Senegalese wall of Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, repelled everything thrown at them.

Senegal almost doubled their lead early in the second half when a spectacular Ismaila Sarr’s effort forced a fingertip save. Cote d’Ivoire were unfazed and continued pressing.

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The game turned on a pivotal 86th minute moment. Pepe burst into the box and was clumsily brought down by Edouard Mendy.

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After a VAR-reviewed incident, Franck Kessie coolly sent Mendy the wrong way from the spot to equalise, sending the home crowd into a frenzy mood.

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In extra time, chances came and went for both sides but the scores remained level.

In the shootout, each side netted their first four penalties.

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But when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort came off the upright, Kessie stepped up to smash home the winning kick, capping a remarkable turnaround for the hosts.

After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire showed tremendous resilience and spirit to dethrone Senegal, who will have to relinquish their title.

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The Elephants march on, redemption complete.

Few gave the Elephants hope coming into this last 16 clash against star-studded Senegal.

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However, led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents.

This result blows the tournament wide open.

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The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts, march on in dramatic style.(NAN)

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