Cote d’Ivoire will now face either Mali or Burkina Faso, who play their last–16 tie in Korhogo on Tuesday
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holders, Senegal were sent packing from the 2023 edition of the tournament by hosts, Cote d’Ivoire after a last-16 penalty shootout in Yamoussoukro on Monday night.
The Teranga Lions opened the scoring as early as the 4th minute of the match when Habib Diallo finished a cross from Sadio Mane.
However, Ivory Coast, who squeezed into the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams from the group phase, grew into contest and were duly rewarded when Franck Kessie equalized
with a late penalty.
Both sides then missed chances to win the game as the round of 16 match ended 1-1 after the extra time.
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Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr both scored their penalties for Senegal, with Nicolas Pepe and Christian Kouame matching their opponents.
But a miss from Moussa Niakhate handed Cote d’Ivoire the advantage. Sebastien Haller and captain Serge Aurier then scored theirs as much of the crowd willed them on.
Mane kept the shootout alive, blasting his finish past Fofana. But up stepped Kessie to deliver the ultimate redemption for the host nation, who march on to the quarter-finals.
With the win, the Elephants will now face either Mali or Burkina Faso, who play their last-16 tie in Korhogo on Tuesday.