In a nail-biting encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ivory Coast emerged triumphant over reigning champions Senegal, securing a 5-4 victory in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, elated by the stunning comeback, commended the Ivorian team, hailing their resilience akin to lions on the field.
After a lackluster group stage performance, Ivory Coast faced early adversity with Senegal’s early goal courtesy of Habib Diallo. However, a late penalty from substitute Franck Kessie leveled the score, pushing the game into extra time. The decisive moment came when a former Barcelona midfielder netted the winning goal, sealing Senegal’s fate as Moussa Niakhite missed the crucial spot-kick.
Expressing his exuberance on social media, Drogba wrote, “This is what it’s all about! Well done elephants!!! You fought like lions.” Ivory Coast’s remarkable comeback sets the stage for a clash against the winner between Mali and Burkina Faso, as they vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. The AFCON drama continues, with Ivory Coast’s resilience leaving fans and football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
