Ivory Coast’s Elephants secured a remarkable triumph at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké during the quarter-finals of AFCON2023, emerging victorious against Mali (2-1 ap) in a match that unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. In a thrilling turn of events during extra time, Oumar Diakité deflected a strike from Séko Fofana into the Malian goal (120+2nd), propelling Ivory Coast into the last four of the AFCON.
After the intense match, Captain Serge Aurier shared his thoughts in the mixed zone, expressing joy and emphasizing the team’s resilience.
“We are in continuity, I’m happy because we didn’t give up. It was a weird match, with a lot of twists and turns. That’s what we’re here for, we’re here to experience this kind of moment,” said Aurier.
Surprisingly, Aurier noted that playing shorthanded actually worked in their favor, stating, “We had nothing left to lose.
I think that, by playing outnumbered, it helped us. Because it’s a very good Mali team, we know that they like the position.
They are one of the best teams with the ball in this tournament. We knew we were going to run. I think we had to keep running too, but twice as much.
That’s what we did. And then, wait for our chances. We had them and we were effective.”
Aurier also commended the coach, Emerse Faé, for his strategic choices and motivational words. He emphasized the unity of the team, stating, “The coach had the right words and the right changes.
Those who come in, bring. Those who start, give what they have to give. We are a team. When it happens like that, it’s magnificent.”
The goals that secured Ivory Coast’s victory were scored by newcomers Simon Adingra and Oumar Diakité. With the thrilling win, Ivory Coast now prepares for an exciting semi-final clash against DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium next Wednesday.
Serge Aurier revient au 🎙️ @ATS_fr sur ce succès renversant de la 🇨🇮 face au 🇲🇱. Menés jusqu’à la 90e, les 🐘 ont su renverser les 🦅, en arrachant la victoire et la qualif à la 120e minute : l’apport des entrants, la mentalité de guerrier et la RDC 🇨🇩 à venir #MLICIV #CAN2023 pic.twitter.com/0HX70YmW3Z
— Dounia Mesli (@Mesli_Dounia) February 4, 2024
