Côte d’Ivoire Cup: Stella eliminate ASEC
Stella Club d’Adjamé
ASEC, the winner of the 2011 edition, will therefore not be able to showcase their 18th Côte d’Ivoire Cup trophy amongst the Sol Béni silverware.
After dominating in the first half, the Mimos took the advantage before the break thanks to their star striker, Samba Diabaté, on an assist by Ablakor Yao Yves (1-0, 40th).
Hugues Zagbayou thought he had made the break on the reception of a free kick by Stéphane Okou Zahui, but saw his goal refused for an offside position (56th).
But it was the Magnans who struck a few minutes later, when a perfect assist found Akuffo Daniel in the back of the Mimos’ defence for the equalizer (1–1, 59th); a well-deserved goal for coach Rigo Gervais’ men.
Now on the back foot, coach Sébastien Desabre reorganised his attack with the entrance of striker Koné Ladji Tiézan, who could have given his team the advantage had his lob not hit the Stella posts (70th).
There was no more goal action at the end of 90 minutes of play, and the penalty shootout ensued.
In this crucial test of nerves, Stella showed their strength, while Arsène Adom and Ablakor Yao Yves failed in their efforts.
All that remains for Roger Ouégnin’s men to save their season is the national championship, a Super Division in which ASEC are currently in fourth place, two points short of the leading duo of AFAD and Séwé (6 points).
The Yellow and Black oppose the Portuaires de San Pedro this Sunday, in a clash which is now crucial for Sébastien Desabre’s men.
Stella Club, the first team qualified for the 49th Côte d’Ivoire Cup, will know their opponent this Thursday at the end of the second semi-final between SOA and Séwé Sports de San-Pedro.
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