AFCON Host,  Cotê d’Ivoire,  Beat Mali, Qualify for S’Finals

Ten-men Cotê d’ Ivoire came from a goal down to beat Mali 2-1 in extra time to progress to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire.

The Elephants had a sloppy start to the game as Mali created majority of the chances which led to them getting a penalty in the early stages of the game.

Lassine Sinayoko was brought down in the penalty box by Côte d’Ivoire’s Odilon Kossounou, and a penalty was awarded after the latter was shown a yellow card.

Adama Traore’s effort from the spot was saved by goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.

Kossounou was sent off in the first half after he received a second yellow card following another challenge on Lassine Sinayoko.

Mali’s dominance continued in the second half as they had a man more than Côte d’Ivoire, but the host managed to contain them for some time.

The Eagles finally had what they kept pushing for throughout the game; the opener in the 71st minutes.

Substitute Nene Dorgeles weaved through the Côte d’Ivoire defence to find open space, and hit from  outside the box to beat Yahia Fofana who was rooted to  score the opener.

Cotê d’Ivoire unexpectedly got the equalizer through Simon Adingra who  scored from a rebound, following Seko Fofana’s long range which hit the Malian defence.

Oumar Diakete scored late in  extra-time to win it for Cotê d’Ivoire with a clever back heel finish.

Cotê d’Ivoire will play D.R Congo in the semi-finals at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Feb. 7.(NAN)