Kalidou Koulibaly Promises Senegal of Winning AFCON Again After Round of 16 Exit in Ivory Coast

• Kalidou Koulibaly has reacted to Senegal's AFCON exit
• The African champions lost on penalties to Ivory Coast
• Senegal are hoping to make a return in Morocco in 2025

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly remains positive despite the Round of 16 elimination at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Al-Hilal defender starred for the Teranga Lions at the tournament but Senegal's defence of the AFCON title came to a crashing end after a penalty shootout defeat to the host nation.

Koulibaly converted from the spot but Moussa Niakhate's miss meant Ivory Coast goes through to the quarter-final after successfully netting their penalties.

“We are all very disappointed to be eliminated at this stage of the competition. All the hopes based on our selection, in order to retain this title of African champions, collapsed after this defeat against the host country, Ivory Coast," he wrote on social media as he apologised to the fans.

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However, he believes the West African powerhouse will bounce back in the next tournament.

“This is also why we want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your unwavering and unwavering support," added Koulibaly.

“Believe in your dreams and maybe they will come true. By the will of Allah, this team will continue to make you dream and will bring you other trophies in TERANGA.

“Thank you, Senegalese people. Together, let's believe in our dreams and in the national team. Believe in yourself (Lions of Senegal) and you will surely become champions again."

Senegal won all three matches in the group stage before falling short of the Elephants.

Morocco will host the next Africa Cup of Nations next year, as reported by the BBC.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Niakhate broke 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 in the Round of 16.