Sadio Mane: Senegal Star Applauds Fans After Bitter AFCON 2023 Exit to Ivory Coast

• Sadio Mane warmly applauded fans minutes after Senegal's elimination from AFCON
• Senegal lost to Ivory Coast on post-match penalties in Yamoussoukro on January 29
• Mane scored the last spot-kick for his side, but it wasn't enough to see them through

A heartbroken Sadio Mane momentarily stepped out of his misery to applaud fans as he trudged off the pitch following Senegal's elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The defending champions were surprised by hosts Ivory Coast, who forced a one-all draw in normal and extra-time. Moussa Nikahite was the only player to miss his penalty to throw the Teranga Lions out.

Senegal came into the game in high spirits after collecting maximum points in the group stage, looking to become the first reigning champion since 2010 to make it to the quarter-finals of the next edition.

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They got off to a perfect start within five minutes after Mane's cross from the left found Habib Diallo inside the area. The Al-Shabab forward chested it down beautifully before unleashing a rocket of a shot.

Ivory Coast's gameplay, under caretaker manager Emerse Fae, increased tenfold as they sought a way back into the game. It was only until late into the game when VAR awarded them a penalty, which was duly converted by Frank Kessie.

Sadio Mane applauds fans after AFCON exit

After the final whistle, Mane walked off the pitch, fully aware that he wouldn't have the opportunity to challenge for back-to-back trophies. He applauded some fans before disappearing into the tunnel.

Here is a video of that incident

Ivory Coast now proceed to the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of the game between Mali and Burkina Faso. At the time of writing, the former was leading 1-0 courtesy of an early own goal from Edmond Tapsoba.

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Sadio Mane luckily escapes red card

Sports Brief has also reported that Mane was lucky not to be sent off against Ivory Coast for a studs-up challenge on Ibrahim Sangare.

Referee Pierre Atcho only brandished a yellow card, with the VAR choosing not to intervene. Sangare received on-field treatment and went on with the game.