In a dramatic and thrilling encounter, Ivory Coast eliminated Senegal from the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 after a penalty shootout on Monday night. Senegal was favored to win the match, having won all three of their group-stage games and conceding just one goal.
Ivory Coast, on the other hand, barely made it to the knockout stages after losing two of their three group matches. However, Ivory Coast managed to pull off a surprise victory after the game ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, winning 5-4 on penalties and advancing to the quarter-finals.
The hosts, who had barely qualified for the knockout stage, showed resilience and determination to overcome the reigning champions, who had taken an early lead through Habib Diallo.
Senegal, who had kept 15 clean sheets in their last 21 matches at AFCON, looked comfortable and confident after Diallo’s fourth-minute strike, which came from a superb cross by Sadio Mane. The Lions of Teranga dominated possession and created several chances, but failed to extend their advantage.
Ivory Coast, who had sacked their manager Jean-Louis Gasset after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in the group stage, were under pressure and struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities. However, they kept fighting and were rewarded with a penalty in the 81th minute, when Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy missed the ball and caught Nicolas Pepe’s legs in the box. Franck Kessie was the hero who stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to send the game into extra time.
The extra 30 minutes were tense and nervy, with both teams looking exhausted and cautious. Neither side could find a winner, and the game went to penalties. In the shootout, both teams scored their first two penalties, before Senegal’s Moussa Niakhate saw his effort hit the bar, being the decisive moment that sent Senegal home and propelled Ivory Coast into the next round, sparkling wild celebrations among the home fans and players.
Ivory Coast’s interim boss, Emerse Fae, who took over after a disappointing group stage, guided his team to a remarkable victory. Despite the initial setback of Senegal’s early lead, Ivory Coast displayed resilience and determination, ultimately securing their place in the quarter-finals.
The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Ivory Coast’s triumph serving as a memorable upset in the tournament. The victory sets the stage for a thrilling quarter-final match against either Mali or Burkina Faso.
Ivory Coast, who had not beaten Senegal since 2015, had pulled off a remarkable upset and advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will face Mali or Burkina Faso. Senegal, who had been the favourites to retain their title, were left stunned and heartbroken, as their AFCON dream ended in agony.
several key moments shaped the game;
- Early Lead for Senegal: Habib Diallo scored for Senegal in the 4th minute, giving them an early lead
- Ivory Coast’s Equalizer: Franck Kessie’s late penalty brought Ivory Coast back into the game, leveling the score at 1-1
- Tense Extra Time: Neither team was able to find a goal during extra time, intensifying the drama of the match
- Decisive Penalty Shootout: The game was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout, with Ivory Coast emerging victorious with a 5-4 win after Moussa Niakhate missed his penalty for Senegal
- Sebastien Haller’s Impact: The introduction of Sebastien Haller off the bench provided a significant moment in the match, as the home fans were eager to see his return after an ankle injury
It was a battle of titans, and Ivory Coast’s victory served as a memorable shocker in the tournament, setting the scene for a dramatic quarter-final clash against either Mali or Burkina Faso. The resilience and tenacity of Ivory Coast in this encounter underlines the unpredictability and fascination of football, which makes their AFCON 2024 campaign even more intriguing.
