Eric Bailly Breaks Silence After Spot-Kick Miss that Cost Ivory Coast Spot In AFCON Quarters

• Eric Bailly's spot-kick miss vs Egypt proved costly as it denied Ivory Coast a ticket for the AFCON quarters
• The match between the two African football heavyweights had to be settled via the shootouts after a goalless draw in regulation time
• Bailly is now hopeful the Elephants will be back stronger despite their last 16 elimination from the 2021 AFCON finals

Eric Bailly has spoken for the first time after his spot-kick miss that denied Ivory Coast a chance to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Man United defender was in the best form of his life as he shut out Egypt through their last 16 fixture played at Japoma Stadium in Douala.

However, the former Valencia centre-back went from hero to zero as he missed one of Ivory Coast's five spot-kicks to deny his team a place in the last eight.

The Wednesday evening, January 26, clash saw the two African football heavyweights settle for a goalless draw after regulation.

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The tie, therefore, had to be decided via post-match penalties which the Pharaohs eventually won 5-4.

Egypt converted all five of their spot-kicks, with Liverpool starman Mohamed Salah netting the winning penalty moments after Bailly had missed his.

Bailly has now take to social media to apologise for his costly miss, describing Ivory Coast's elimination as "painful."

Egypt, meanwhile, will be facing off against Morocco in the quarters for a chance to reach the semis of the continental showpiece.

"Painful elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. Words fail me to describe my disappointment and disappointment," he posted on Instagram.

"Proud and grateful to have been able to compete in this competition surrounded by such a great team. Thank you to the supporters for accompanying us. We will get up," he added.

Man United star set for exit

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Man United youngster Amad Diallo is on the verge of leaving Old Trafford ahead of a proposed loan switch to Rangers.

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The teenage sensation signed for United earlier in 2021 from Atalanta in a deal worth more than £37million.

However, competition upfront in United's senior team has seen the 19-year-old limited to just nine appearances across competitions this term.