Head coach Michael Osei has expressed readiness to handle the Black Stars and has confirmed he's applied for the vacant role hoping to be considered.
Head coach Michael Osei has expressed readiness to handle the Black Stars and has confirmed he's applied for the vacant role hoping to be considered.
Ten-man Ivory Coast secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals for the first time since 2015 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mali on home soil.
Referee Mohamed Adel's early decision, initially awarding a penalty to Mali but later rescinded due to an offside call after VAR review, set the tone for a contentious match. Despite a missed penalty by Mali's Adama Traoré, Ivory Coast's Odilon Kossounou, already booked, was later dismissed for a foul on Lassine Sinayoko.
With a pragmatic approach, Ivory Coast adapted to their numerical disadvantage, while Mali's Nene Dorgeles shocked the stadium with a stunning goal in the 71st minute.
Down to 10 men and facing elimination, Ivory Coast staged a remarkable comeback with Simon Adringa's last-minute equalizer, forcing the game into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes witnessed intense action, with Sébastien Haller hitting the bar for Ivory Coast. In a dramatic finish, Oumar Diakite flicked in Seko Fofana's shot, securing a historic win. Tempers flared at full time, resulting in red cards for Diakite and Mali's Hamari Traore.
Ivory Coast now advances to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals, marking a triumphant turnaround in their AFCON journey.
Asante Kotoko earlier this morning tested themselves with a preparatory friendly against lower-division side Future Stars in Adako-Jachie- a tie they won narrowly by 1-0.
The Ghana Football Association per reports in the media, are monitoring Mauritania national team head coach Amir Abdou and are willing to hand him the Black Stars vacant coaching role.
Hearts of Oak have announced a friendly against first division side Swedru All Blacks to warm themselves up for the commencement of the second round.
