Believe it! Cote d'Ivoire Knocked Out Tournament Favorite and Defending Champions Senegal - Qualify for AFCON 2023 Quarterfinals

 

AFCON 2023 is characterized by unpredictability, drama and that's about the beauty of this tournament. Host Cote d'Ivoire came out of their ruin to beat tournament favorite and defending champions Senegal. 

Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) defending champions Senegal have been knocked out of the 2023 tournament by hosts Côte d'Ivoire.

Côte d'Ivoire beat Senegal 5-4 on post-match penalties on Monday to qualify for the quarterfinal. The two teams had played to a 1-1 draw in a round of 16 match that went to extra-time.

Habib Diallo of Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab had put Senegal ahead in the 4th minute, but Côte d'Ivoire left it late to snatch an equaliser in the 86th minute through a Franck Kessie penalty.

Côte d'Ivoire will play against Mali or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinal on Saturday.

Senegal won last edition's AFCON title, beating Egypt 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 0-0 stalemate in the final of the 2021 tournament hosted by Cameroon.