Senegal vs Ivory Coast LIVE: Africa Cup of Nations result and reaction as hosts win penalty shootout
The hosts come into the game against the favourites having sacked their manager
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Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast overcame their own poor form and lack of a head coach to upset reigning champions Senegal and progress into the quarter-finals on penalties.
The outcome was all the more improbable given Senegal had emerged from their group phase with a perfect record, the only one in the tournament, while Ivory Coast only snuck through as the lowest-ranked qualifier of the third-placed teams, without a goal in their previous two fixtures.
And if initially the form guide looked to be providing a fairly routine outcome, it was Ivory Coast’s persistance and ability from the spot - particularly from subsitute Franck Kessie - which ultimately had the defining impact.
Follow the reaction below and check out the latest football odds here.
58’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
No second view for the ref, no penalty. On further replays it looks more as though perhaps Sarr steps across Koussounou to instigate the contact, so that’s a good decision from the on-pitch official.
We’re approach the hour mark and Ivory Coast haven’t really tested Mendy yet, despite some improved play over the last 25 minutes either side of half time.
54’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Niakite really getting into the game now. The No14 gets past his man again and crosses low but nobody is in the box to tap home as Mendy flails!
Straight up the other end Sarr bursts into the area and goes to ground under a heavy challenge - the referee waves play on as the former Watford man deands a penalty.
Kossounou definitely goes across the back of his legs once he’s in the box but will VAR demand a second look? No movement from the referee yet so perhaps not.
50’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Niakite tries to dribble past three defenders at once and goes to ground. Perhaps a bit of pulling on his arm but he went down easily. Krasso appears to win it back for Ivory Coast but the Gabonese referee pulls play back for a free-kick to Senegal - Krasso’s turn to be unhappy.
46' - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Back underway - and immediately a big chance for Ismaila Sarr who is put in down the right channel and his low shot is tipped around the post!
So close to 2-0 for Senegal - Ivory Coast can’t afford another sloppy start to the match. Koulibaly flicks on the delivery after the corner but it’s wide.
HT - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Work to do for Ivory Coast but they have certainly played their way back into the match.
Shots 2-2
On target 1-1
Corners 2-2
Possession 37%-63%
Yellow cards 1-0
HT - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
A late counter for Senegal could easily have seen them double their lead but a last-ditch piece of defending blocks the final pass, with Sarr looking to run through.
Gradel was clamouring for a penalty a moment earlier after what he claimed was a push but there was barely any contact. Senegal lead 1-0 at the interval.
45+4’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Well into first-half stoppage time. Aurier crosses from the right aiming for Gradel on the run, but it’s Diatta who heads clear and Senegal clear their lines once more.
Pape Sarr strides forward and unleashes an ambitious effort from range; it’s a little optimistic though and well over bar.
That should be just about enough for the Lions of Teranga to get to the break a goal ahead.
45’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Diakite runs into trouble twice, giving a foul away once and losing the ball the other. Individual dribbles don’t really look to be the route to goal for CIV.
Mane breaks down the left flank now and escapes Aurier, crossing low for Ismaila Sarr - his attempted shot is blocked by the keeper at close quarters and then the ref says the ball has gone out of play. Didn’t quite look it though.
Five minutes added on.
42’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Fofana has had enough - he just barrels through about three defenders, running past them and bouncing the ball off his knee, chest, anything to just keep going and get into the box.
No defender can keep pace but Mendy is out quickly to narrow the angle and concede the corner.
It really is those two midfielders making bits happen for CIV but they’ll need a little more cutting edge from those ahead of them in the box.
38’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast
Sloppy on the ball from Senegal, who still lead by a goal. But there’s nothing sloppy about their defensive approach. As soon as the ball is lost they have men behind it, a clear line of five across the middle and just waiting for their chance to break forward now and then.
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