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National teams 30 January 2024, 14:31

Wilfried Singo’s Ivory Coast reaches the AFCON quarterfinals!

Wilfried Singo’s Ivory Coast reaches the AFCON quarterfinals!
Behind from the fourth minute against Senegal, the Monegasque defender and Les Éléphants managed to push the Lions of Teranga to a victorious penalty shootout as the hosts advanced (1-1, 5-4 on penalties).

There will have been at least one disappointed Monegasque at the end of this Ivory Coast – Senegal clash. Having qualified at the last minute for the round of 16 of AFCON as the fourth-best third placed side at the end of the group stage, Wilfried Singo knew he would have a hard time facing the holders… and his teammates Krépin Diatta and Ismail Jakobs! It was clear that the big match kept all its promises.

A thunderous start to the match

And for good reason, as from the 4th minute of play the Lions of Teranga had pegged back the hosts. Sadio Mané then sent a gem of a cross to the former Strasbourg player Habib Diallo, who beat the Ivorian goalkeeper. The match was on, and the battle would be tough between the two teams, as in a very rough tackle from the former Liverpool winger (9′), who was only punished with a yellow card.

The Ivorians make the pleasure last

A substitute at kick-off, Monegasque number 99 helplessly watches the scenario unfold. For the other side, the two Principality wingbacks, both starters, participate in the defense of Edouard Mendy’s goal, as he proved heroic on his line… Until a penalty conceded in the last quarter of an hour, and converted by Franck Kessié (1-1, 86′).

We were headed to extra time, during which Krépin Diatta delivered a fine ball to Mané (105+2′), before Wilfried Singo (finally) came on (115′). No goals were scored, and the match would therefore be decided on penalties, and Les Éléphants would have the edge over the Lions of Teranga.

Seemingly a miracle, Ivory Coast will now play in the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations – against Mohamed Camara’s Mali or Burkina Faso – after having thought they would never progress through the group stage. Daghe Wilfried! 👏

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