Hosts Ivory Coast pulled off a remarkable comeback victory by defeating defending champions Senegal 5-24 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in a tense round of 16 encounter on Sunday.
Senegal jumped out to a dream start when Habib Diallo finished off a Sadio Mane cross in just the 4th minute to put the Lions of Teranga up 1-0. Diallo, a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab, profited when Mane swung in an impeccable delivery from the left, bringing the ball down with his chest and firing it into the roof of the net to open the scoring.
Senegal were rattled early with Mane lucky to escape with a caution for a rash challenge five minutes later on Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, who had to be stretchered off for treatment before coming back on.
The Elephants grew into the match despite the early setback, controlling possession and pushing for an equalizer before the break. But they went into halftime still trailing after their abysmal group stage displays.
The second half saw end-to-end action as both sides threatened in attack. Mane felt he should have earned a penalty after contact from Odilon Kossounou but VAR deemed it insufficient. Ivory Coast substitutes Nicolas Pepe and Franck Kessie helped ignite the rally.
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe came off the bench to inject energy for the Elephants, twice testing Mendy despite shooting straight at the keeper.
But Pepe would prove instrumental in bringing Ivory Coast level. In the 86th minute he tempted Mendy into a foul inside the box, with referee Atcho initially waving away penalty shouts to the frustration of the frenzied home crowd.
However, after consulting VAR, Atcho pointed to the spot. The decision incensed Senegal’s bench, with coach Cisse and staff earning bookings for their vehement protests.
Up stepped Kessie to smash the ball past Mendy’s outstretched hand, igniting passionate celebrations across the stadium.
An absorbing extra time brought chances for both teams but no winner, forcing a penalty shootout. After the first four penalties were scored, Moussa Niakhate missed for Senegal. Ivory Coast then converted their next four, with Kessie sealing the winning 5-4 margin.
The dramatic comeback completed Ivory Coast’s redemption after their disastrous group stage. Interim coach Emerse Fae got the best out of the players when it mattered most. The Elephants now advance to face Mali or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals, while favored Senegal crash out.
