Cote D’Ivoire Coast To The Semi-Finals
On The Wings of 90th Minute Goal
By PHC Telegraph
Ivoriens celebrate goal that propelled them into the semi-finals
A goal scored Saturday night against the run of play in the second half provided the tonic that the Ivoriens needed to win in extra time against hard-fighting Mali.
Mali, dominant in attack, creative in the midfield and dangerous in the 18-yard box had shot into the lead around the 71st minute.
Nene Dorgeles who was obviously one of the thorns in the flesh of the Ivoriens put his side ahead in the second half at the Stade de la Paix.
But luck ran out on the Sahelians who were enjoying a great play when the Elephants secured an equaliser at the very last minute.
Saved: Ivorien keeper (in the background) denies Mali a chance to wrap up the game
Hosts Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Mali 2-1 to book its passage to the semis, scoring a last moment goal in extra time through Oumar Diakite.
Recall that Odilon Kossounou had been sent out by the centre referee shortly before the halftime whistle, forcing the Ivoriens to play with 10 men most of the time.
But Simon Adingra, saviour of the Ivoriens on a day that a hero was required got the last touch in the 90th minute that turned to a goal, forcing both sides to go into extra time.
Anxious Ivorien fans who came to the venue in large numbers cheer their side non-stop to the finish line.
Diakite scored the winner when it mattered most before he received a matching order to leave the field of play after committing another bookable offence by taking off his shirt in celebration.
Mali’s Hamari Traore was also shown a red card at the blast of the final whistle.