Host nation Ivory Coast produced yet another amazing Africa Cup of Nations escape, securing a spot in the semi-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mali.
The dramatic match featured Oumar Niakite's 122nd-minute winner, propelling the nine-man Elephants to the next stage and leaving Mali heartbroken.
In the 16th minute, Mali won a penalty, but Adama Traore failed to convert. Ivory Coast's Odilon KossounouIvory received a red card just before halftime, setting the stage for a more intense encounter.
Ivory Coast beat Mali to qualify for AFCON semi-finals – Getty image
Mali started the second half with renewed energy, securing an opener in the 71st minute through Nene Dorgeles. Despite Mali seeming victorious, Simon Adingra leveled the score with a 90th-minute stunner, forcing the game into extra time.
Even with Ivory Coast playing with 10 men, they completed the comeback in the second half of extra time through Oumar Diakité. The remaining minutes saw Ivory Coast reduced to nine men, and Mali also receiving a red card.
Mali will long remember the night they surrendered their lead and missed a penalty, losing to Ivory Coast, who played with nine men.
English (US)