Cote d’Ivoire through to semi-finals at expense of defending champions Senegal

Senegal’s hopes of defending their TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations were shattered on Friday evening, after they were knocked out of the competition in a tense quarter-final clash against Cote d’Ivoire.

Following a highly tactical, but entertaining duel between the two West African nations, it was Cote d’Ivoire who emerged victorious against the defending champions who saw agonisingly saw their title slip out of their hands.

As expected, both sides approached the match with caution, opting for a more reserved approach to their usual style of play of quick interchange passing.

Matching each other pound for pound, with star players Alynho Haidara of Cote d’Ivoire and Barhama Ndiaye kept queit for most parts of the game.

Coming back from the break, the game opened up a bit with both sides looking for the elusive goal.

A golden chance presented itself to Vaboue Doumbia in the 87^th minute after his attempted low cross almost found the inside of the net with the keeper well beaten.

Senegal could have stolen it right at the death after substitute, Ibrahima Sow’s effort from close range was cleared off the line.

With the score tied at 0-0, it was left to the lottery of penalties to decide the winner, as Cote d’Ivoire emerged 5-3 on penalties.