Frank Kessie’s penalty salvage Ivory Coast from stubborn Niger in AFCON qualifiers
Ivory Coast snatched a 1-0 victory against Niger on Saturday at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in group K of the 2021 AFCON qualifications round.
AC Milan forward Frank Kessie stepped out to convert a second penalty to give the Elephants a 1-0 victory over Niger after the Elephants had already missed a first penalty kick.
The first penalty arrived after Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe had been brought down inside Niger 18 yard box, but after a misunderstanding between Pepe and Gradel over who take the penalty, Gradel stood behind the ball but his kick was saved by Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda on the 24’ minute.
Ivory Coast are now joint Group K leaders with Madagascar who beat Ethiopia earlier in the day. Ivory Coast will now travel to face Ethiopia on Tuesday in their next Group K clash.
