In the round of 16, "a new competition begins", as we usually say in football. The adage was once again verified on Tuesday January 30. Ivory Coast, in distress and miraculously recovered, beat African champion Senegal, yet the only country to have won its three group matches. The Elephants held off until the penalty shootout.

The administrative capital of Ivory Coast, Yamoussoukro, dressed up to the nines to welcome its Elephants. The Charles-Konan-Banny stadium is filled to the brim and offers one of the most beautiful atmospheres of the competition to date for the gala match between the African champion and the host country.

Elephants in very bad shape before kick-off and who were knocked out from the start by the Senegalese, obviously not here to have pity. Aliou Cissé's men found the opening in the 4th minute when launched by Sadio Mané, Ismail Jakobs overflowed on the left side for Habib Diallo. He has time to control his chest, turn around and strike with power, leaving no chance for Yahia Fofana (1-0).

Fofana everywhere, goal nowhere

“Dead goat does not fear the knife,” says the Ivorian proverb. And the goal has the merit of uninhibited Côte d'Ivoire, which is finally playing its all-out game. Seko Fofana is the leading figure of this revolt. It is everywhere, in the oven and in the mill. To the right and to the left. To recovery and conclusion. As in this action where the Marc-Vivien Foé 2022 prize recovers a cross from Ghislain Konan in the area. He gets rid of Koulibaly and strikes with a left. Edouard Mendy pushes back for a corner (40th).

Opposite, the 2022 African champion fears the ax and seems feverish, like Sadio Mané who is doing well by only receiving a yellow after an ugly gesture on Sangaré. The defensive block holds up but makes a series of micro-errors that could be paid for in cash.

We had to wait until the end of the half for the Lions of Teranga to show their fangs. On a touchline, Mané is found and defeated by Kossounou on the left side. He crosses for Diallo in front of the goal who lacks control in front of the goal (45th). Sadio Mané then misses a 3 against 3 situation on a lightning counter (45th + 3).

Penalty refused in Senegal

Returning from the locker room, the Senegalese almost repeat the first half. Launched in depth, Ismaila Sarr is alone on his right side but his flat foot does not deceive Yahia Fofana who diverts for a corner (47th).

Five short minutes of domination and Emerse Fae's men let themselves be put under pressure again. Gradel takes charge of a left free kick (50th). Diakité avoids Jakobs then crosses forcefully (53rd). Both come up against Mendy.

Ismaila Sarr overflows on his wing and is stopped in the Ivorian area by Kossounou in a virile manner. The Lions of Teranga request a penalty. The VAR is not consulted despite the eruption of anger from Aliou Cissé to whom the fourth referee tells him to calm down (55th).

The goal that revives the Elephants or the one that buries them? The match seems to be able to swing from one side to the other and the duels are intense. Edouard Mendy wipes out Ivorian attempts one after the other (74th, 76th). And a combination between I. Sarr and Mané sees the latter's shot narrowly escape the top corner (75th).

A penalty revives the Ivorians

The coin falls on the Ivory Coast side. Launched by Sébastien Haller, Nicolas Pépé collapses in the area. Simulation, judges the referee who even gives him a yellow card. But VAR steps in and corrects the injustice. Mendy takes a card and a goal from Kessié (86th, 1-1).

The stadium ignites for the final minutes and overtime. A long shot from Ivorian captain Serge Aurier brushes the post and gives the Senegalese a cold sweat (97th). On a harmless cross from Jakobs, Yahia Fofana misses and hits his post. His hip requires the intervention of trainers. The goalkeeper, however, continues to hold his place and sees an acrobatic return from Abdou Diallo go over (100th). He is well recovered to intervene in front of Sadio Mané, forgotten by everyone (105th + 1).

Both teams throw their last strength into the battle. Kouamé hits Mendy pushes the ball back against Haller (113th). Continuing, a counter blitz is initiated but Ghislain Konan intervenes against Idrissa Gueye then Iliman Ndiaye (115th). Despite Haller's last attempt, they had to decide on penalties.

And in this little game that some describe as a "lottery", it is Côte d'Ivoire which wins, the fault of a failure by Moussa Niakhate. Senegal collapsed in the central circle while the Ivorians ran to celebrate with their public. With the energy of this rebirth, they could well run very far in this competition.

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