Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Senegal exited the African Cup of Nations, losing 5-4 on penalties to Ivory Coast after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. Habib Diallo scored early for Senegal, but Franck Kessie’s late penalty equalized. In the shootout, Kessie secured Ivory Coast’s win.
Support remained strong for Ivory Coast despite a recent 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea. French coach Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed after the defeat, and assistant Emerse Fae took charge.
Senegal, Group D winners with nine points, faced Ivory Coast, who qualified as one of the third-best teams with only three points. Ivory Coast made changes, and Senegal introduced Niakhate, Diallo, and Camara.
Despite an early lead by Senegal, Ivory Coast gradually gained control but faced a resilient defense. Senegal resisted pressure, and Ivory Coast couldn’t capitalize on their possession advantage.
In the final quarter, Ivory Coast had more possession, but Senegal appeared more likely to score. Senegal’s defense cracked when Mendy fouled Pepe, leading to Kessie’s penalty conversion in the 86th minute.
In extra time, Mane’s shot was saved by Fofana just before halftime. The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where Kessie secured Ivory Coast’s quarter-final spot.
