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Franck Kessie converted a penalty kick, eliminating defending champions Senegal from the Africa Cup of Nations and causing exuberant festivities in Yamoussoukro.
Kessie’s 86th-minute penalty kick against Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy gave Ivory Coast a glimmer of hope, leading to extra time in the match.
The 27-year-old came through once more, securing a 5-4 victory in the shoot-out by making the crucial kick. This came after Moussa Niakhate missed his earlier attempt for the favored team.
The victory of Ivory Coast marked a significant comeback for the home team, who had appeared to be in a dire situation during the group stage following a devastating 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea.
Senegal had looked set to end the curse that had seen no defending champions reach the last eight since 2010 when Habib Diallo rifled home with just four minutes on the clock.
The hosts played effectively, pushing Senegal into their own territory. However, the defending champions were able to maintain their strong defense, limiting Ivory Coast to a series of minor opportunities.
Seko Fofana’s run into a dangerous area was superbly snuffed out by Niakhate and Senegal almost extended their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Ismaila Sarr stumbled over a shooting chance.
Sarr had another opportunity in the beginning of the second half, but Ivory Coast maintained pressure with Oumar Diakite, who nearly assisted Jean Philippe Krasso for an equalizer just before the 60-minute mark.
The holders missed an even better opportunity in the 74th minute when Kessie’s free-kick was parried by Mendy, who somehow got in the way of the same player’s follow-up from a tight angle.
Nicolas Pepe, a substitute player, failed to convert another significant opportunity as he struck a curving shot directly at Mendy. However, he managed to secure a crucial penalty for his team in the final four minutes of the game after being tripped by Mendy inside the penalty area.
Kessie remained composed and extended the game by half an hour. Neither team was able to score, leading to a shoot-out. The home team scored all five shots, securing a memorable victory.
Source: independent.co.uk
