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It was a slightly scuffed spot-kick by Traore, but Fofana still had to guess right and make the save. And he did well to get to his feet and collect the bits and pieces.
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Here we go!
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Mali: D. Diarra, H.Traoré, Haidara, Kouyaté, Niakate, Samasseskou, Couliabaly, Sacko, A.Traoré, Sinayoko, Doumbia
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Subs: Diawara, M.Doumbia, Sissoko, Bissouma, M. Diarra, Fofana, Niakate, Diabate, Koita, Dieng, B.Traore, Dorgeles
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Ivory Coast: Y.Fofana, Aurier, Ndicka, Seri, Konan, S.Fofana, Kessie, Gradel, Kossounou, Kouamé, Pepe
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Subs: Singo, Bamba, Konate, Boly, Boga, Diakite, Sangaré, Haller, Sangare, Adringra, Diallo, Amani
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Hello and welcome to our coverage of the third Afcon quarter-final. And it’s an absolutely doozy; hosts Ivory Coast – fresh from their penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal – face the impressive Mali. The Eagles edged past Burkina Faso in the last-16 to earn this tie, for which many make them favourites, with RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara surely crucial to their hopes this evening.
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Ivory Coast have been far from perfect at their home tournament, they’re not the vintage side they were a decade or so ago, but they have momentum from that Senegal victory and the support of a nation – with close to 40,000 to pack out the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké. They call it the Peace Stadium, but it should be anything but quiet this evening.
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Kick-off is 5pm GMT, so stick with us. Really looking forward to this one.
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important events
27 minutes: Mali’s build-up was patient, with Doumbia trying to escape his markers up front. Ivory Coast is much more straightforward once you understand it.
25 minutes: Evan Ndicka’s clearance definitely falls into the category of “if in doubt, don’t do it”, but Ivory Coast’s inability to play outside of their defense is causing pressure. However, apart from penalties, Mali has not achieved much.
23 minutes: Both teams struggle to play centrally, with the Ivorian in particular keen to spread the ball as wide as possible, with Pepe and Max Gradel providing outlets.
20 min: It was a really quick opening 20 minutes.
With one penalty not taken and one saved, the Ivorian fans created a raucous atmosphere despite having barely scored in the match so far.
Mali penalty saved!
Fofana creates an exquisite stop and an almighty roar goes up.
Traore’s spot-kick was slightly scraped, but Fofana still had to predict correctly and save. And he successfully stood up and collected the pieces.
This time Mari has a penalty! And this time it’s the same culprit, Kossounou, even though he mistimed his challenge to Shinayoko. This is very obvious. Kosounou has been booked for a tackle but would have been more at home in the Six Nations match.
The decision was upheld by VAR.
15 minutes: It’s nice to see real football resumed in the last few minutes after an endless delay waiting for a stupid handball penalty. (Thankfully this was not given and does not decide the tie).
13 minutes: They wanted all the money as if it was a penalty. It was a modern day close contact handball and did not deserve a spot kick. In the end, the referee raised his arm for offside during the build-up, but there was no pen. Shell is perplexed to say the least.
What a series of strange events. alright, let’s go.
12 minutes: It took a while, but the referee finally made his way to the monitor.
10 minutes: VAR will take their time to consider this issue… When the shot was taken from a corner kick, it definitely hit Odilon Kossounou in the arm. Meanwhile, Niakate is injured and may need to be stretchered as decision-makers continue to deliberate.
8 minutes: Mali claimed a penalty from the resulting corner kick, and with play ultimately stopped, VAR will likely be considered. handball? Certainly not. Mali coach Eric Schell was convinced of this.
7 minutes: Kessie is penalized for a trip and Mari have a good chance of getting the ball into the box here…
Fofana was once again tested by a strong cross from the left, but was only able to parry and aimed for a corner kick. Not the best handling.
5 minutes: Neither team has much time to rest in possession, but Mari are now showing greater composure as Haidara is well aware of this.
3 minutes: A skirmish broke out inside the Ivory Coast as Mali broke down the left flank, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana bravely collecting a cutback that could have injured him.
2 minutes: Nicolas Pepe was heavily involved on the right side from the start, and Ivory Coast gained momentum from the start. Tackles are already flying!
kick off
Let’s go!
It’s national anthem time! There is no shortage of passion, especially from the supporters of the host country.
The first quarterfinal locker room of the day is ready. 🔥#TotalEnergyAFCON2023 | #MLICIV pic.twitter.com/AIA53poaDv
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 3, 2024
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15 minutes left until kickoff It is no exaggeration to say that this atmosphere is growing in Bouake right now. The nation holds its breath.
my thoughts and prayers Together with Scott Murray we are trying to achieve all the goals we had today. Isn’t soccer just great?
Remember Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo? So far, both teams have qualified for the semifinals. The winner of this draw and either Cape Verde or South Africa will take part in an exciting final four.
Nigeria are the clear favourites, but this Afcon, and this shocking Asian Cup, proved that in finals football, almost anything can happen.
Want my own personal opinion? Well, I think the winner of this game has a chance to win it all. Here you go.
Nigeria has participated in AFCON tournaments 19 times and reached the semi-finals 16 times.
Unrealistic🤯🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/yQ7jRMqiza
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) February 2, 2024
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Great pre-game reading You can read about Ivory Coast’s reckless Afcon campaign here. Soak everything.
There is good news and bad news in Mali’s midfield. RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara was injured in the team’s last-16 win against Burkina Faso, and although there were concerns about injury before the match, he is in good enough condition to start. However, Tottenham star Yves Bissouma is not yet considered fit enough to start.
Sebastien Haller is only fit enough for the Ivorian bench, as is Ibrahim Sangare.
What’s really interesting today is that fight between Hydara and Frank Keshi. They are both integral parts of the side and keep things moving in the middle of the pitch.
team news
Mari: D. Diarra, H. Traore, Haidara, Kouyate, Niakaté, Samasescou, Coulibaly, Sacco, A. Traore, Shinayoko, Doumbia
Subs: Diawara, M. Doumbia, Sissoko, Bisouuma, M. Diarra, Fofana, Niakate, Diabaté, Koita, Dieng, B. Traore, Dolgeles.
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana, Aurie, Ndicka, Seri, Konan, S. Fofana, Kessie, Gradel, Kossounou, Kouame, Pepe
Subs: Shingo, Bamba, Konate, Bolly, Boga, Diakite, Sangare, Haller, Sangare, Adringla, Diallo, Amani.
preamble
Hello. Welcome to our coverage of the 3rd Afcon quarterfinals. And that’s totally ridiculous. Host country Ivory Coast have just won a penalty shootout over defending champion Senegal and will face an impressive Mali side. The Eagles earned this draw by beating Burkina Faso in the last 16 and are considered favorites by many to win, but RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara will certainly play a key role in tonight’s hopes.
Ivory Coast are far from perfect in their home tournament and are not the vintage team they were a decade ago, but they are buoyed by Senegal’s victory and the support of their people, with nearly 40,000 people in attendance. Stade de la Paix in Bouake. They call it Peace Stadium, but it’s definitely not quiet tonight.
Kickoff is at 5pm Japan time, so stick with us. I’m really looking forward to this.
