Côte d’Ivoire pulled off a shocker as they beat defending champions Senegal 5-4 on penalties in an enthralling encounter at the Charles Konan Banny stadium.

This was after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time as a partisan crowd cheered on the Elephants.

Senegal who had a flawless group stage campaign with three wins from three were expected to ease past a Côte d’Ivoire side that had their back against the wall having lost their last game.

Habib Dialo had given the Teranga Lions a 1-0 lead just after 4 minutes on the clock.

The Elephants however dug deep and equalized with Franck Kessié restoring parity from the penalty spot.

With the game tied at the end of extra time, penalties were needed to decide the winner.

Kessié scored the winning penalty to send the defending champions crashing out of the tournament and the host nation were still alive in the competition.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer