Ivory Coast orchestrated a stunning upset to eliminate defending champions Senegal from the Africa Cup of Nations. The intense encounter unfolded with a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 draw, marking the end of Senegal’s title defense and propelling Ivory Coast into the quarterfinals.
In a riveting Africa Cup of Nations showdown, Senegal’s quest for a consecutive title was cut short in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Ivory Coast.
Despite an early lead secured by Habib Diallo’s powerful strike, Sadio Mane’s fortunate escape from a potential red card foreshadowed a shift in momentum.
The Ivorians, rebounding from a recent 4-0 home defeat by Equatorial Guinea, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround after dismissing coach Jean-Louis Gasset in favor of assistant Emerse Fae.
A stroke of luck elsewhere propelled Ivory Coast into the knockout stage, where they displayed a vastly improved performance against a formidable Senegal squad that breezed through their group matches.
Sebastien Haller, the Ivorian striker, encapsulated the emotional rollercoaster, stating, “The last few days were tough for us.
We have opened the door and given ourselves a chance. We can forget now about what happened in the group stages.”
Despite Senegal’s belief they should have been awarded a penalty for a second-half incident involving Ismaila Sarr, officials deemed the contact insufficient. Coach Aliou Cisse expressed his frustration, while Mane missed a crucial opportunity to extend the lead.
Ivory Coast, sensing an opportunity, could have leveled earlier, with Nicolas Pepe’s attempt thwarted by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
As the clock wound down, a VAR-reviewed decision awarded Ivory Coast a clear penalty, converted by Franck Kessie, forcing the game into a tense penalty shootout.
Senegal’s hopes suffered a blow when Moussa Niakhate’s kick hit the post, allowing Ivory Coast to hold their nerve and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The hosts, initially on the brink of elimination, showcased resilience, leaving Senegal to contemplate what might have been in a thrilling encounter that will be remembered in the annals of African football.
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