Senegal has been knocked out of the African Cup of Nations. The previous champions unfortunately did not make it to the quarter finals of this years tournament. With game at a draw it are to extra time with everyone hoping for the winning goal. This did not happen leaving the match to penalties. Ivory Coast, the host nation, knocked the previous victors out on penalties winning 5-4.
With Senegal beating Guinea they went on to play the host nation Ivory Coast at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro to determine who would go through to quarter finals. Lucky for the host nation they have knocked one of the favorites and previous champion out of the way and made it a step closer to lifting the AFCON trophy 2024. Unfortunately for players such as Sadio Mane and Koudibaly, their time in this year’s AFCON has come to an end. Senegal failed to keep Ivory Coast out of their next leaving all of the team saddened.
The last 16 match was a tense one with fans watching from the stands behind their hands. The game came to an end at the end of 102 minutes with a result of 1-1. Penalties was the next step to decide the next quarter finalist of the 2024 African cup of Nations. With Mendy in goal for Senegal and Yahia Fofana for Ivory Coast. first penalty scored was by the Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly. For Ivory coast their first penalty taker was Nicolas Pepe. He put the ball in the back of the net avoiding Edouard Mendy. After Pape Matar scoring for senegal and Christian Kouame for ivory coast, Moussa Niakhate missed for senegal hitting the post. This left the score at 2-2. Seb Haller scored again for Ivory Coast putting them ahead 3-2. However bringing back for Senegal, Bamba Dieng made it back equal at 3-3. Anther Ivory Coast goal sneaks past goal keeper Mendy placing the Ivory Coast ahead again. Ex Liverpool player Mane scores for Senegal making it 4-4. The winner was then scored by Franck Kessie for Ivory Coast causing the crowd full of fans for the Ivory Coast to erupt in applause and cheers.
With Ivory Coast going in into the quarter finals they could have the potential to become one of the favourites to win. They have been a contender from the start due to this year tournament being held there however knocking out last years winner will have boosted their name and their fan base.
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