AFCON 2019: Zaha's goal places Ivory Coast in the last eight

Sports News from Monday, July 8, 2019

Source: bbc.com

2019-07-08

Wilfried Zaha scored the winning goal as Ivory Coast defeated Mali 1-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Crystal Palace striker, who was badociated with a summer transfer to Arsenal, ran on Sylvain Gbohouo's free kick and went to the ball in front of Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Mali had squandered with Moussa Marega and Moussa Djenepo, both of whom were missing good opportunities when they were well placed.

Cote d 'Ivoire will play Algeria in the last eight games on Thursday (5 pm BST).

Elephants have won the competition twice – in 1992 and 2015 – but have only managed the first phase of this year as finalists after losing 1-0 to Morocco, the group's winner.

Ivory Coast was beaten in the first half against Mali, winner of Group E, and failed to score a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes.

Mali 's Moussa Djenepo, who moved from Standard Liege to Southampton this afternoon, was a constant threat to the left wing, but Marega missed a good chance at the next post when he did not. has failed to connect correctly.

Abdoulay Diaby also got a free kick from goalkeeper Gbohouo, Ivory Coast goalkeeper, before Djenepo lost a good chance while he was undecided in front of goal.

Ivory Coast entered the game after the break, after Diarra denied Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa.

Diarra, however, was beaten a few minutes later when Zaha, who had been silent throughout the match, reacted fastest to score in the 76th minute and bring his country into the last eight.