Sports

AFCON shocker: Cote d’Ivoire eliminate defending champions Senegal

Soccer Football - Africa Cup of Nations - Round of 16 - Senegal v Ivory Coast - Charles Konan Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast - January 29, 2024 Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

AFCON shocker: Cote d’Ivoire eliminate defending champions Senegal

Cote d’Ivoire on Monday night knocked out defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after their gruelling match ended 1-1.

Few gave the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire any hope, coming into this last 16 clash against star-studded Senegal with just three points as one of the best losers.

Led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents.

The Teranga Lions of Senegal kept alive their hopes of retaining the title when they took an early lead through Habib Diallo’s 4th minute strike from Sadio Mane’s cross.

But the Elephants refused to surrender in front of their passionate home fans in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

Cote d’Ivoire finally equalized from the penalty spot in the 86th minute when Franck Kessie coolly converted after a foul was committed in the Senegal box.

With the scores still level after extra time, the tie went to a shootout.

This result blows the tournament wide open. The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts march on in dramatic style.