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Ivory Coast secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Senegal 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.
The match proved to be a thrilling encounter, with Senegal taking an early lead in just four minutes through Habib Diallo, courtesy of excellent work by Sadio Mane.
Ivory Coast responded by pushing for an equalizing goal and was awarded a penalty after Pepe was fouled by Mendy in the box. Franck Kessie stepped up and successfully converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
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Despite both teams attacking each other in extra time, there were no further goals, leading to a penalty shootout. Ivory Coast emerged victorious in the shootout, winning 5-4 on penalties.
Franck Kessie scored the winning penalty, while Moussa Niakhate of Senegal was the only player to miss during the shootout.
With this result, Ivory Coast advances to the quarterfinals of the tournament and will face either Mali or Burkina Faso on February 3 at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. Senegal, the defending champions, experienced a shock exit from the tournament and will now return home.