Cote d’ Ivoire, the host nation of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating reigning champions Senegal in a penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Franck Kessie scoring the equalising goal for Cote d’ Ivoire from a penalty kick. Kessie also became the shootout hero by converting the winning penalty. The host nation redeemed themselves after a disappointing group-stage performance that included two defeats, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. French coach Jean-Louis Gasset was fired following that defeat, and assistant coach Emerse Fae was promoted to lead the team. They will now face the winner of the Mali vs. Burkina Faso last-16 match in the last eight. The victory sparked strong support from fans, who lined up overnight to buy tickets for the match in Yamoussoukro.
