Senegal clinched their ticket to the quarter-finals of CHAN 2023 by dominating the Democratic Republic of Congo (3-0) in the last Group B group match. Côte d’Ivoire are also continuing the competition after their victory against to Uganda (1-3).
Everything was still open in Group B. After two undecided first days where only two goals were scored in all four matches played, each team was still able to qualify for the rest of the competition and join Algeria and Mozambique in the quarter-finals of CHAN 2023.
After their defeat against Uganda (0-1) on January 18, Senegal managed to bounce back by perfectly dominating the Democratic Republic of Congo (3-0). During a very controlled match, Senegal first found the fault thanks to Ousmane Diouf (1-0, 23e). In full doubt, the Congolese selection quickly plunged with the red card received by Kévin Mondeko (33e). Unable to worry the defense of the Lions of Teranga, the Congolese suffered the opposing assaults before folding again in the second half on a goal from Pape Diallo (2-0, 74e). Siadi Ngusia Baggio, the goalkeeper of the Democratic Republic of Congo, then scored against his side (3-0, 77e) to complete a nightmarish evening for his team.
With this success, Senegal finished first in Group B and reached the quarter-finals of the competition, where they will face the second in Group D on January 27. Without any victory in the group stage, the Democratic Republic of Congo is eliminated from the competition by finishing in last place in the group.
Côte d’Ivoire qualifies on the wire
In the other match of Group B, Côte d’Ivoire won its first victory of the competition by beating Uganda (1-3). The Elephants opened the scoring from the 12e minute thanks to a free kick from Constant Wayou well taken over by Sankara Karamoko (0-1). They quickly doubled the lead with a goal from Vignon Ouotro (0-2, 27e), before conceding a penalty converted by Moses Waiswa a few minutes later (1-2, 34e). Despite several chances in the second half, the Ugandan players failed to materialize their dominance. Ivorian striker Aubin Kouamé took the opportunity to put an end to their hopes at the end of the game (1-3, 78e) and allow Côte d’Ivoire to take off.
This unique victory in the group stage is enough for the Ivorians to qualify for the quarter-finals. Despite being tied on points in the final Group B standings, Uganda are eliminated from the competition due to a worse goal difference than Côte d’Ivoire. Soualiho Haidara’s men will face Algeria on January 27 in a bid to reach the semi-finals.