The African Cup of Nations offered us another breathtaking scenario this evening. Led until the last minute of regulation time by Mali, and reduced to 10, Ivory Coast snatched extra time thanks to a goal from Simon Adingra in the final moments (1-1).
In overtime, both teams thought they were heading into a penalty shootout. But in the final seconds, and as added time was soon to end, Seko Fofana volleyed in front of the area. Well placed, Oumar Diakité perfectly deflected the trajectory of the ball with a backheel from close range, freeing a packed Stade de la Paix (1-2).
The qualification goal for the host country, of which all the players rushed to celebrate near the supporters. In the euphoria, the Rémois couldn’t hold back from taking off his jersey, aware of having qualified his team for the last four of their CAN at home.
“My joy was so great that I forgot that I had a yellow card”
Problem: Oumar Diakité had already been sanctioned with a yellow card a few moments earlier, in the 109th minute. He therefore received a second yellow card for his celebration… and left his teammates 9 against 11 for the last minutes of the match.
A gesture without consequences ultimately, since the Elephants resisted well until the three final whistles, but which could have an impact during the next round. Facing the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ivorians should therefore have to do without Oumar Diakité, nor Odilon Koussounou, excluded in the first period. Malian Hamari Traoré was sent off after the final whistle.
“My joy was so great that I forgot that I had a yellow card, it was a mistake on my part. I couldn’t play the half, but I don’t think it will hurt my team because we have the depth, and even if I’m not there, we’ll be able to do the job,” said Oumar Diakité afterwards. the meeting, reports AFP. Ivory Coast will face DR Congo next Wednesday at 9 p.m.
