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31.01.2024Bayer 04

AFCON 2023: Kossounou into quarter-finals, Tapsoba and Adli eliminated

The Werkself trio of Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli have all now played their round of 16 ties at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. While Kossounou and hosts Ivory Coast have advanced to the quarter-finals, the tournament is over for Tapsoba’s Burkina Faso and Adli’s Morocco. The pair are expected back in Leverkusen on Thursday.
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Kossounou and the Elephants took on the defending champions Senegal in the last 16. It finished 1-1 after 90 and then 120 minutes, meaning the tie went to a shootout. The Ivorians converted all five of their spot-kicks to win 5-4 and progress. Kossounou started the game for his first appearance at this year’s tournament, being substituted off in the 116th minute. The hosts will now face Mali in the final eight.

It was Mali who knocked out Tapsoba and Burkina Faso by winning 2-1 in the round of 16. The Werkself defender again started the match in Korhogo but unfortunately put into his own net in the third minute of the defeat. The dream of being crowned Africa’s best is also over for Adli after his Morocco side were beaten 2-0 by South Africa in San Pedro. The Bayer 04 forward made his first start of the tournament and was replaced on the hour mark.

Odilon Kossounou (Ivory Coast):

Mali vs. Ivory Coast, 3 February (18:00 CET)

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