Ivory Coast, after being narrowly saved by Morocco as best third, created a surprise by eliminating the reigning champion, Senegal, during the round of 16 of the CAN 2023 which it is organizing. The match, which was full of twists and turns, finally ended with a historic victory for the Elephants of Faé on penalties.
From the 4th minute, Habib Diallo opened the scoring thanks to impressive work from Sadio Mané, giving the Teranga Lions the advantage. However, the Elephants reacted and equalized on a penalty, with Franck Kessié late in the match sending both teams into overtime.
The spectacular outcome came during the penalty shootout. Ivory Coast won 5-4, and thus marked its history with a historic qualification for the quarter-finals of CAN 2023. Ivorian midfielder, Franck Kessié, was the hero by converting the shot on goal decisive which propels his team towards the rest of the competition.
Ratings of Ivory Coast players
Fofana: 6
Aside from Habib Diallo’s early morning goal, Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper hasn’t been featured much. He still performed well against the few offensives of the Teranga Lions of Senegal.
Ghislain Konan: 6
Very present defensively, the Senegalese goal surprised him just like all the Ivorians. But the former left side of Al Nassr responded in his lane defensively and offensively.
Ndicka: 4
A little timid, he did not live up to expectations in the center of defense, with some individual errors.
Odilon Kossounou: 7
Not totally in Jean Louis Gasset’s plans, Odilon Kossounou was launched by Fae and the Bayer Leverkusen defender responded with a major performance in the axis of the Elephants’ defense.
Serge Aurier: 7
A true captain and captain of the Ivory Coast, Serge Aurier was an example for his teammates, multiplying the infernal races on his right side.
Seri: 8
Established for the first time in this CAN 2023, Jean Michaël Seri was present in the middle of the field and increased the efforts for his teammates with his races.
Seko Fofana: 5
Not on his best day, Seko Fofana was put in difficulty by the density of the middle of Senegal. He didn’t have the same influence and was seen less offensively before his release.
Ibrahim Sangaré: 5
Like Seko Fofana, Ibrahim Sangaré played reduced after Sadio Mané’s killer tackle in the 9th minute. When we returned to the pitch, we saw another Ibrahim Sangaré, a little timid.
Oumar Diakite: 4
Established in the right lane, Oumar Diakité was not good before his exit. The Reims striker did not provide depth, did not provoke and simply did not shine, he who plays center forward in his club.
Max Alain Gradel: 4
Like Oumar Diakité, Max Alain Gradel did not respond against Senegal. Very uninspired, the former Toulouse player even gave way to Adingra in the second half.
Krasso: 4
Fae changed the entire offense in the second half and it actually shows that the front three and Krasso weren’t influential. Muzzled by Kalidou Koulibaly, the Ivorian striker was unable to do anything.
Senegal player ratings
Edouard Mendy: 5
Credited with a few saves in the match against Ivory Coast, Edouard Mendy was at fault for the Penalty obtained by Ivory Coast, which brought the two teams into overtime.
Kalidou Koulibaly: 7
Very present defensively, leader and charismatic captain, Kalidou Koulibaly muzzled Krasso and the Ivorian attackers throughout the match.
Niakhate: 6
Not at the level of Koulibaly but reliable in his position, Niakhate was not unworthy.
Ishmaël Jakobs: 6
Not too much in demand on his side, because of Oumar Diakité’s level, Ismaël Jakobs was not really put in difficulty. He had a fairly quiet match.
Krepin Diatta: 7
Like Niakhate, Krepin Diatta has not met a big client on his side. But his offensive contribution was decisive in the match.
Lamine Camara: 6
Present in recovery and on certain offensive actions, Lamine Camara delivered a calm match without encountering any difficulties. But he is criticized for lack of audacity, he had it during the first match of CAN 2023 against Gambia.
Pape Matar Sarr: 6
Like Lamine Camara, the Senegal midfielders managed very well, they won the battle and did not raise their level of play.
Abdou Diallo: 6
Aligned in an unusual position, Habib Diallo still did well, especially in recovery. His activity and influence put Seko Fofana and Ibrahim Sangaré in difficulty.
Ismaila Sarr: 4
Not on a good day, Ismaila Sarr missed his match. Aliou Cissé did not hesitate to replace him with Iliman Ndiaye.
Sadio Mane: 7
He is the best Senegalese on the pitch if Édouard Mendy had not made this mistake which led to the penalty for Ivory Coast. Passerby on Habib Diallo’s goal, Sadio was very influential on the side and was the one who started the offensives, even if he would have been sent off in the 9th minute after an uncontrolled tackle on Ibrahim Sangaré.
Habib Diallo: 7
Credited with a very good goal, Habib Diallo made Odilon Kossounou, Ivorian central defender, shine. His work with his back to goal, the former Strasbourg player weighed heavily on the Ivorian defense before his exit.
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