10-Man Squirrels of Benin created one of the upsets of the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations by knocking out heavily favoured Atlas Lion Of Morocco in one of the round-of-16 tie played on Friday evening. Benin, despite played out almost the entirety of the extra 30 minutes with 10 men, defeated Morocco 4-1 on penalty shootout having played out a 1 all draw in regulation plus extra time.
Benin came into the knock-out match without a win, the West African Nation had drawn all 3 of their group stage matches against Ghana, Guinea Bissau and Cameroun respectively, no surprise as they mostly deploy 10 men behind the ball and got their 2 previous goals through a fast break and set piece, 6 attempts on target in all 3 matches said it all. They went into a surprise lead through another set piece, defender Moise Adilehou poked home a corner kick in the 53rd minutes, however, Morocco hit back in about 20 minutes after, when Youssef En-Nesyri fired home the equalizer. Morocco was given a life-line to win the match in the injury time of 90 minutes when Achraf Hakimi drew a foul in Benin box, however, there was no denying Benin a place in the last 8, as Ajax ace Hakim Ziyech missed from 12 yards for Morocco to the despair of teammates and fans.
It was barely 7 minutes into the 30-extra minutes when Benin was reduced to 10 men, Khaled Adenon was sent off after 2nd yellow card for only heavens know why, nevertheless, Morocco's couldn't break down there opponent despite the numerical advantage as the match went into a penalty shootout. Benin converted their 4-consecutive kicks but Sofiane Boufal and Youssef En-Nesyri missed for Morocco from the spot and handed victory to Benin 4-1.
Morocco manager Hervé Renard will not be adding a 3rd AFCON title to his triumphs as Zambia and Ivory coast manager respectively. Despite 4th consecutive draws, Benin is now in the last 8 and will now face another Lion(Teranga Lions of Senegal) for a place in the semifinals.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the Cranes of Uganda 1 nil to progress into the last 8. A feisty 1st 10 minutes had strong tackles flies in from both teams, however, Senegal settled quickly and edged into the lead in the 15 minutes through Liverpool ace Sadio Mane, his left-footed shot went past the outstretched arms of Denis Onyango in goal for Uganda. Uganda responded well and called Senegal goalkeeper Alfred Gomis to a couple of saves. The physically-charged 1st half ended with Senegal still holding the slim advantage.
Mane had the chance to put his side further clear of Uganda in the 2nd half after he was fouled in the box by Onyango(who could have been given his 2nd yellow card for the rash challenge) but Mane saw his spot-kick saved by Onyango, his 2nd spot-kick miss of the tournament.
Thank you all
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