Cote d’Ivoire progress to the quarter-finals
Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DEFENDING champions Senegal crashed out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty shootout defeat by hosts Cote d’Ivoire this Monday.
It was a case of history repeating itself after defending champions Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations this Monday.
No team has successfully defended the AFCON crown in the last decade and hosts Cote d’Ivoire made sure that record stands after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Senegal.
It took just four minutes for the Lions of Teranga to take the lead after some great work by Sadio Mane.
The two-time CAF Footballer of the Year set up Habib Diallo who was afforded space and time to fire home and hand Senegal a one-nil lead.
The Elephants pushed for an equaliser and they were awarded a penalty in the second half after Nicholas Pepe was fouled by Senegalese goalkeeper Eduard Mendy in the box.
Frank Kessie stepped up and beat Mendy from the spot kick to make it one- all.
The match, however, ended in a draw after regulation time, and the two sides could not be separated after extra time before the hosts won it 5-4 on penalties.
In an earlier match, a late Ryan Mendes penalty gave Cape Verde a dramatic one-nil victory over Mauritania to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Round of 16 action continues this evening with West African rivals Mali and Burkina Faso clashing at 7 pm before Morocco square off with South Africa at 10 pm.
