Senegal's Moussa Niakhate Breaks Silence in Emotional Message to Fans After Penalty Miss at AFCON

• Moussa Niakhate has shared his disappointment after Senegal's AFCON exit
• The Nottingham Forest defender missed his spot-kick against Ivory Coast
• The host nation will now face the Eagles of Mali in Saturday's quarter-final

Moussa Niakhate has broken his silence after missing a crucial penalty in Senegal's penalty shootout defeat to Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Nottingham Forest defender saw his kick hit the bar despite sending the Ivorian goalkeeper the wrong way.

The hosts converted all their penalties, going on to win 5-4 and eliminate the African champions at the Round of 16.

A heartbroken Niakhate took to social media to express disappointment while also thanking fans for their support.

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"Sorry. I am aware that this missed penalty led to our elimination from this CAN23. It shattered the dream of my teammates, this staff and millions of supporters of this National Team.," he wrote.

"You don't deserve this. This group had the quality and the objective to return with the cup to Dakar. I am aware of this and I take responsibility for it. This is going to be hard for me to take and I know I'll never forget."

The 27-year-old received positive responses after his post on social media, with many encouraging him to move on from the disappointment.

"No one can take this feeling of guilt away from me, not even my family or even this group despite their unfailing support. But when I see your messages... I realize even more how lucky I am to be Senegalese, Alhamdulilah," continued Niakhate.

"And to evolve in this National Team. Honestly, I have no words for you. My only goal from today onwards will be to make up for it and repay the love you show me by giving you a title in the future. I owe you one!"

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Niakhate is expected to return to England this week to rejoin his Nottingham Forest teammates, as reported by MSN.

Mane breaks silence after AFCON exit

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sadio Mane expressed disappointment following Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations exit at the Round of 16 in Cote d'Ivoire.

The AFCON holders were knocked out of the tournament by the host nation on penalties after a pulsating 1-1 draw in full-time.

Mane, who created the assist for an early opener for the Teranga Lions, which was converted by Habib Diallo, insists they could not take their chances.