Senegal’s AFCON title defence ended in tears as they suffered a 4-5 defeat to the hosts Ivory Coast on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the tournament’s Round of 16 at Stade Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Monday night.
Below are some of the talking points from this entertaining AFCON last 16 showdown between the Lions of Teranga and the Elephants.
HABIB DIALLO SCORES EARLIEST GOAL FOR SENEGAL
Al-Shabab’s star forward Habib Diallo broke the deadlock for the Lions of Teranga as early as four minutes into the contest, thanks to Sadio Mane‘s assist. This was Diallo’s second goal of the AFCON tournament.
To add to that, Diallo’s [3 minutes and 15 seconds] goal was the earliest goal ever for Senegal in a CAF AFCON knockout phase.
However, Diallo’s goal was cancelled by Franck Kessie’s equaliser in the 86th minute from the spot kick. Kessie’s goal was the AFCON tournament’s 100th goal.
WEST AFRICAN DERBY
The West African derby lived up to its expectations, as tickets for this tie were reportedly sold out online.
Moreover, this affair produced a lot of talking points, as many would have thought a West African derby would.
IVORY COAST BECOME SIXTH NATION TO BOOK AFCON QUARTER-FINALS SPOT
Having knocked out the defending champions, Ivory Coast became the sixth nation to book the AFCON quarter-final spot.
The other five nations are Nigeria, Angola, Guinea, DR Congo and Cape Verde.
Now, only two spots left which Tuesday’s matches will determine. Mali will take on Burkina Faso at 19:00, whereas Bafana Bafana will face Morocco at 22:00. All the times are in South African Standard Time.
SADIO MANE CONTINUES TO PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE IN SENEGAL SQUAD
Sadio Mane is one player who you cannot write off whenever you face Senegal. He always comes to the party whenever you need him the most.
He did what was expected of him, having a bigger role in this match and providing an assist for Habib Diallo, who scored for the Lions of Teranga.
Sadly, Mane couldn’t help his side secure a victory against the hosts to advance to the quarter-finals of the AFCON competition.
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