AFCON 2023: Why Mali Star Refused to Celebrate After Scoring 'Worldie' Against Ivory Coast

• Nene Dorgeles scored a scorcher for Mali against Ivory Coast
• However, the midfielder then refused to celebrate his efforts
• Ivory Coast needed a late goal to reach the AFCON semi-final

Mali youngster, Nene Dorgeles curiously refused to celebrate after scoring a belter in the quarter-final clash against Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Red Bull Salzburg attacking midfielder showcased his skills moments after replacing Adama Traoré, firing from outside the box with 19 minutes to go.

However, the host nation forced the game into extra time after Brighton winger, Simon Adingra, levelled the scores in the final minute of the quarter-final tie.

Oumar Diakite then stole the winner for the Elephants with the final kick of the game, but it was the action of a Mali player that attracted some attention.

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In a video shared on social media, Dorgeles decided not to join in the celebrations of his teammates as he paid homage to the country of his parents.

His gesture is usually seen at the club level, where players decide not to celebrate against their former clubs or parent teams, in the case of loan deals.

The 21-year-old was born in Kayes, Mali to Ivorian parents and spends most of his time during vacation in Abidjan.

Dorgeles started his career in Mali with Guidars FC before he signed for RB Salzburg in 2021. He also spent time on loan at SV Ried and Westerlo in Belgium.

Diakite scores late as Ivory Coast beat Mali

Sports Brief previously reported that a late goal by Ivory Coast's Diakite in added time gave the hosts a 2-1 win over Mali in Bouake after a dramatic AFCON quarter-final encounter.

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With the Elephants reduced to 10 men after a first-half red card, they fell further behind in the second half thanks to a Dorgeles goal, only for Adingra to equalise in the 90th minute.

The result marked another upswing in Ivory Coast's in a roller coaster of an AFCON campaign, which saw them sneak into the knockout stage despite a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea.