Franck Kessié brings Ivory Coast back to life as Afcon hosts bury Senegal

A week after suffering a 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast finds themselves in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after eliminating defending champions Senegal with a 1-0 victory. Despite being a team that appeared on the verge of elimination several times in the tournament, Sébastien Haller’s late penalty secured the surprising win for Ivory Coast. Senegal, the group stage’s top-performing team, seemed in control until the introduction of Haller, breaking the defending champions’ curse of not reaching the quarterfinals since 2010.

Ivory Coast, recovering from their second-half collapse against Equatorial Guinea, woke up to the unexpected opportunity to continue in the competition. The team faced the challenge without coach Jean Louis-Gasset, who was dismissed following the Equatoguinean defeat. Emerse Faé, a former Reading midfielder with no prior coaching experience, took temporary charge of the team. The Ivorians, considered the undead, entered the match with nothing to lose.

Senegal took an early lead with Habib Diallo’s goal, but Ivory Coast regained self-esteem and controlled possession. Haller’s entrance in the 72nd minute changed the dynamics, and a penalty awarded after Mendy fouled Nicolas Pépé provided Ivory Coast with the chance they needed. Franck Kessié converted the penalty, and Senegal, once moments away from the quarterfinals, found themselves in a shootout. Despite their efforts, Senegal could not shake off Ivory Coast, and Kessié’s decisive penalty kick ended Senegal’s title defense. Ivory Coast, against all odds, advanced to the quarterfinals with a remarkable victory.