WATCH: Mali coach Eric Chelle 'baptised' after last-gasp AFCON 2023 loss to Ivory Coast

Mali coach Eric Chelle during his side's AFCON 2023 clash against Ivory Coast in February 2024.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ivory Coast are through to the semi-finals of AFCON 2023 after an incredible comeback against Mali on Saturday.

The tournament hosts went down to 10 men shortly before half-time as Odilon Kossounou was sent off and looked to be on their way out after a Nene Dorgeles goal with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But Brighton's Simon Adingra forced extra time with a 90-minute equaliser and Ivory Coast sealed an unbelievable comeback as Oumar Diakite scored in the second addtional minute of extra time to send the home fans wild and break Mali hearts.

After his goal, Diakite was sent off for his celebration but Ivory Coast held on for a place in the last four of the tournament.

Mali's Hamari Traore was sent off following the final whistle amid furious protests to the referee, but the defender was also pushed by the referee.

And on the sidelines, Mali coach Eric Chelle was inconsolable as he crouched down, his hand covering his face, while one of his assistants poured a bottle of cold water over his head.

Ivory Coast had sacked their manager after it looked like they were heading out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stages, but now take their place in the last four of the continental competition.

The hosts will now face DR Congo in the semi-finals on Wednesday after they beat Guinea 3-1 on Friday.

Nigeria, 1-0 winners over Angola on Friday, will meet Cape Verde or South Africa in the other semi-final on Wednesday, with the final to take place next Sunday.

More AFCON 2023 stores

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AFCON 2023: Dates, fixtures, squads, stadiums and everything you need to know

Ben Hayward
Weekend editor

Ben Hayward is a European football writer and Tottenham Hotspur fan with over 15 years’ experience, he has covered games all over the world - including three World Cups, several Champions League finals, Euros, Copa America - and has spent much of that time in Spain. Ben speaks English and Spanish, currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, covering all the big talking points of the weekend on FFT: he’s also written several list features and interviewed Guglielmo Vicario for the magazine.