Defending Africa Cup of Nations champions were knocked out of the competition following a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat by 2023 hosts Ivory Coast on Monday night in Yamoussoukro after the game ended 1-1 in extra time.
The Teranga Lions were the only side to finish the group stage with a 100% record while the Elephants narrowly qualified as one of the four best third-placed sides.
The reigning AFCON champions got off the blocks very early with Sadio Mane’s fine pass finding Habib Diallo who brilliantly put the ball into the net in the fourth minute.
Al Nassr star Seko Fofana tried to level for the Ivorians in the 41st minute but his strike was saved by Senegal goalie Edouard Mendy.
Aliou Cisse’s men tried to extend their lead two minutes after the break but Diallo’s shot was expertly saved by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. The impressive Lamine Camara then unleashed a powerful shot in the 70th minute with what could have been goal of the tournament. It however went wide.
Ivory Coast threatened seven minutes later via former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe but his effort was saved by Mendy.
Just when it seemed Senegal would walk away with a 1-0 win, the Ivorians were offered hope in the 86th minute when Mendy brought down Pepe in the box. Ex-AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie stepped up to take the spot kick and converted to level the contest.
Both sides had opportunities to score in extra time through Mane and Serge Aurier but their efforts failed to find the back of the net.
Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate missed during the shootout while the Ivorians converted all theirs to give interim manager, Emerse Fae, who replaced Jean-Louis Gasset, six days ago, the perfect result.
⌚ FULL-TIME!
Cote d'Ivoire are through after an intense penalty shootouts! ????????#SENCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/kBtagLEzWX
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024
The ex-Ivorian international will be looking to put in another heroic performance when the hosts take on the winner of Tuesday’s round of 16 tie between neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.
Happy for them and looking forward to today’s round!
Thanks for reporting!