The host nation Ivory Coast pulled off another dramatic comeback at the Africa Cup of Nations, advancing to the semi-finals with a 2-1 extra time victory over Mali in the Semi-Final clash at the Stade de Bouake
Despite being reduced to 10 men after Odilon Kossounou’s first half red card, the Elephants showed resilience to equalize in stoppage time and then won it with virtually the last kick of extra time through Oumar Diakite.
The game was filled with twists and turns but it was the Elephants who lacked the power to test their opponents as Kossounou’s dismissal on the stroke of half time for two bookable offenses left Ivory Coast facing an uphill battle.
Mali took advantage when Nene Dorgeles curled in a classy goal to put them ahead in the 70th minute.
The Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder announced his presence soon after coming on as a substitute by scoring from outside the penalty area with 19 minutes left to play and did not celebrate after netting that tremendous goal against the country of his parents in the quarter-final match.
But the Elephants refused to surrender, equalizing through Simon Adingra right at the death to force extra time. Showing their strength of character, the Elephants responded impressively as Diakite and Singo went close with headers prior to a fortuitous ricochet off a Fofana shot allowing Brighton’s Adingra to stab in the equalizer from close range.
And it took another dramatic moment as Diakite diverted home Seko Fofana’s shot in the 122nd minute to spark wild celebrations.
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A free-kick reached Fofana at the edge of the box and as his shot sailed through a packed penalty area, Diakite, with his back to goal, instinctively stuck out a foot to deflect the ball past Mali keeper Djigui Diarra and into the net.
However, Diakite will miss the semi-final after picking up a second yellow for removing his shirt. The final whistle brought ugly scenes as Mali players angrily confronted the referee, leading to a red card for Hamari Traore.
Ivory Coast’s progress has been dramatic throughout the tournament. After sacking manager Jean-Louis Gasset mid-competition, they scraped through the group stage with two defeats.
In the last 16 against Senegal, they came from behind to force penalties and advance. This quarter-final victory continues their trend of Houdini-like escapes.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ivory Coast’s defense held firm for most of the match, limiting Mali to shots from distance. Dorgeles’ goal looked to have won it until Adingra struck late. In extra time, Mali failed to capitalize on their lead as the hosts fashioned the better chances before Diakite’s last gasp winner.
The result extends the host’s dominance over their regional rivals, making it 13 wins from the last 19 meetings between the nations. Mali will rue missed opportunities, especially Traore’s saved penalty in the first half. Their hopes of a first semi-final since 2013 are over as they bow out in painful fashion.
Ivory Coast march on to face DR Congo in the semis, but will be without the suspended Diakite, Serge Aurier and Christian Kouame as they seek to grab their third AFCON title.
