The 1/8 finals of the Africa Cup of Nations are contested, Senegal vs. Ivory Coast. Senegal are the defending champions and favourites to win the title. Senegal had a strong run in the group stage, winning all three of their group games, sweeping Gambia 3-0, Cameroon 3-1 and Guinea 2-0. In contrast, Ivory Coast played poorly in the group stage, losing to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and winning only Guinea-Bissau. However, Ivory Coast were able to qualify for the knockout stage for the third time in their group. Senegal do not have an advantage in their all-time head-to-head record against Ivory Coast. This time, Senegal fell on penalties and Ivory Coast reached the last 8!
Senegal scored just four minutes into the game, with Sadio Mane delivering a cross and Habib Diallo stopping the ball in the box and volleying it into the back of the net like a cannonball. Senegal got off to a fantastic start. Côte d'Ivoire was in a difficult situation early. In the 15th minute, the Senegalese players played with fire at the back and were almost tackled, but fortunately Mendy disposed of the ball decisively.
In the 39th minute, Fofana stopped the ball on his chest in the penalty area, but he used too much force, and the ball ran near the bottom line at once, and was immediately cleared. In stoppage time of the half, Sarr tried a long-range shot from the edge of the area and kicked it high. At half-time, Senegal led Ivory Coast 1-0.
In the second half, it was easy to play again. In the 48th minute, Ismaila Sarr fired a low shot from a tight angle on the right side of the penalty area, and the goalkeeper landed quickly and saved the ball. The shot was of high quality, but unfortunately it was saved. In the 64th minute, Ivory Coast made a substitution, with Adingra and Nicola Pepe coming on as substitutes. Three minutes later, Senegal made a substitution, with Nicolas Jaxson coming off the bench to replace Diallo.
In the 69th minute, Kamara tried a long-range shot from the edge of the area and hit the near corner, which went just wide. Six minutes later, Mane received a return pass from Sarr in the box and shot straight at goal, but the kick was deflected. It's a good opportunity, Mane didn't take it, it's a pity. Senegal, who missed a good chance, were penalized and conceded in the 86th minute. Pepe created a penalty and Kessie converted it to equalise for Ivory Coast. It was a 1-1 draw in regulation time and had to go to extra time.
In the 100th minute, Aurier took a long-range shot from the perimeter and kicked wide. Neither side scored in extra time and had to go to a penalty shootout. In the shoot-out, only Niakate missed. As a result, Senegal was eliminated from the tournament with a 5-6 reversal. Ivory Coast reaches the top 8!