Former Chelsea star Didier Drogba, a national hero in Ivory Coast, exuberantly celebrated his nation’s thrilling 2-1 triumph over Mali in the AFCON quarter-finals.
The legendary striker, who captained the Ivory Coast national team from 2006 until his retirement, showcased his joy by passionately singing the national anthem during a live Instagram session on a plane.
Drogba’s Enthusiastic Anthem Rendition:
Drogba, who made over 60 appearances for Ivory Coast during his illustrious career, displayed high spirits as he sang the national anthem, reflecting the immense pride he carries for his homeland.
His connection with the team and the anthem highlights his enduring influence as both a football icon and a symbol of national pride.
Ivory Coast’s Last-Minute Triumph:
Ivory Coast’s victory unfolded in a nail-biting fashion, culminating in a last-minute goal during added time.
Oumar Diakite, with an extraordinary strike from outside the box after a corner, secured the win in the 122nd minute.
The dramatic turn of events not only propelled Ivory Coast to the semi-finals but also set the stage for wild celebrations among the players and fans.
Diakite’s Heroics and Wild Celebrations:
Following his crucial goal, Diakite’s exuberant celebrations resulted in him being sent off. His dismissal was swiftly followed by Hamari Traore of Mali, who surrounded the referee in protest.
The chaotic scenes further escalated as officials had to be escorted off the field for their safety.
Despite the ensuing drama, Ivory Coast basked in the glory of their hard-fought victory as the final whistle blew.
Ivory Coast’s Resilience and Journey to the Semi-Finals:
Despite a challenging group stage, where they lost two of three games and parted ways with manager Jean-Louis Gasset, Ivory Coast displayed remarkable resilience.
Sneaking through to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, they subsequently overcame defending champions Senegal and Mali.
Now, just two games away from AFCON glory, Ivory Coast faces DR Congo in a crucial match on Wednesday, with the ultimate goal of reaching the final on Sunday.
Sports News