AFCON: Cote d’Ivoire defeats Mali to qualify for semi-final

Ivory Coast, the host nation, orchestrated yet another remarkable escape in the Africa Cup of Nations, securing a spot in the semi-finals at the expense of a disheartened Mali with Oumar Diakite’s decisive 122nd-minute goal. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage for most of the game due to Odilon Kossounou’s first-half dismissal for fouls on Lassine Sinayoko, the Elephants found themselves trailing after Nene Dorgeles’ elegant curling goal.

However, the Elephants managed to level the score in the 90th minute through Simon Adringa’s opportunistic finish. The dramatic victory was sealed in the dying moments of extra time when Diakite redirected Seko Fofana’s shot into the net.

Diakite’s elation was tempered by a second yellow card for removing his shirt during the celebration, resulting in his suspension for the upcoming semi-final against DR Congo on Wednesday at 20:00 GMT.

The conclusion of the match witnessed unpleasant scenes as several Mali players confronted referee Mohamed Adel, expressing their grievances. Hamari Traore received a red card for taking his protests too far.