AFCON: ‘You fought like lions’ – Drogba says as Ivory Coast beat Senegal
Ivory Coast #IvoryCoast
Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba has hailed Ivory Coast for beating Senegal 5-4 on penalty shoot-out at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, on Monday night.
The Ivorian legend could not hide his joy after his country overcame a disastrous group stage display to eliminate Senegal, who are the African champions.
However, despite falling on an early goal from Habib Diallo, Franck Kessie, a second-half substitute, scored late from the spot to force the round of 16 game into extra time.
After 120 minutes of action, the former Barcelona attacking midfielder netted the winner with Moussa Niakhite missing the third spot-kick for Senegal.
“It is spoiled,” Drogba first wrote on X, formerly Twitter after Senegal’s penalty miss.
“This is what it’s all about!!!!!!! Well done elephants!!! You fought like lions,” he added after the game.
Ivory Coast will now face the winner of the game between Mali and Burkina Faso for a place in the semi-final.