Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback to beat Mali 2-1 in extra time and book their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Sunday. The hosts were trailing until the 90th minute, when Simon Adingra scored a crucial equalizer. Oumar Diakit then netted the winner in the dying moments of the game, but was sent off for his excessive celebrations.
The match at the Stadium of the Peace in Bouak was full of drama and excitement, as both teams fought hard for a place in the last four. Mali looked set to cause an upset when Nene Dorgeles, who came off the bench, fired a stunning long-range goal in the 71st minute. Ivory Coast, who had been reduced to 10 men in the first half after Odilon Kossounou received his second yellow card, showed great character and resilience to level the score in the final minute of regulation time.
The game went into extra time, and Ivory Coast continued to press for the winner. They were rewarded in the 122nd minute, when Diakit slotted the ball past Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. The striker, however, could not contain his emotions and ran into the crowd, earning himself a second booking and a red card. He will miss the semi-final clash against DR Congo on Wednesday.
Mali, who had a penalty saved by Ivory Coast keeper Yahia Fofana in the first half, were left heartbroken and frustrated. Hamari Traore was also shown a red card after the final whistle for pushing the referee.
Ivory Coast, who are aiming for their third AFCON title, will face DR Congo in the semi-final in Bouake. DR Congo beat Senegal 2-0 in the other quarter-final on Sunday.
South Africa Advances to Semi-Finals in Penalties with Ronwen Williams’ Heroics
South Africa reached the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time in 24 years after a tense penalty shootout victory over Cape Verde on Sunday. The match at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro ended goalless after 120 minutes, with both teams failing to break the deadlock. The shootout was decided by the brilliance of South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who saved four penalties and helped his team win 2-1.
The game was a tight and cagey affair, with few clear-cut chances for either side. Cape Verde, the smallest nation in the tournament, had more possession and shots, but could not find a way past Williams, who made several crucial saves. South Africa, who had beaten Morocco in the group stage, also struggled to create opportunities, and relied on their solid defense and counter-attacks.
The match went to penalties, and Williams proved to be the hero for South Africa. He denied Ryan Mendes, Julio Tavares, Heldon Ramos, and Garry Rodrigues, while Mothobi Mvala scored the decisive kick for South Africa. Only Kenny Rocha Santos scored for Cape Verde, who bowed out of the tournament with pride and dignity.
South Africa, who last reached the AFCON semi-finals in 2000, will face Nigeria in the next round in Bouake on Wednesday. Nigeria beat Cameroon 3-1 in the quarter-final on Saturday.
