You’ve killed us, you’re corrupt; Keep your African Cup," Senegal's Krepin Diatta to officials following AFCON exit

Senegal were defeated 5-4 on penalties by host nation

At Stade Charles Konan Banny, Kessie stepped forward to side-foot home the decisive spot-kick following Moussa Niakhate’s mistake providing the Elephants the lead.

Kessie, who had been benched by interim coach Emerse Fae, who had taken over for the fired Jean-Louis Gasset, forced extra time in the 86th minute by calmly taking a penalty kick that cancelled out Habib Diallo’s early goal.

Yahia Fofana made a stunning save to deny Mane during extra time, setting up a shoot-out in which Senegal was the first to blink, with Niakhate’s attempt grazing the left-hand post.

For the second time, carrying the burden of a country on his shoulders, Kessie performed flawlessly, setting up a quarterfinal matchup with either Burkina Faso or Mali.

Senegal’s hopes to retain their AFCON title were unsuccessful as hosts Ivory Coast eliminated Aliou Cissé’s team in the Round of 16. Habib Diallo gave Senegal the lead, but Franck Kessié tied the score late with a penalty kick.

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After that, the Ivory Coast progressed due to penalties (4-5). Diatta was incensed with the game’s officials, pointing out in particular that he did not call a penalty for what he believed to be an Ismaïla Sarr foul by Odilon Kossounou. The referee hadn’t been instructed to reverse the VAR’s ruling, nor was a penalty given.

You’ve killed us, you’re corrupt! Keep your African Cup,” AS Monaco’s Krepin Diatta (24) told CAF officials following Senegal’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

“You go and consult VAR to give them a penalty, but a guy (Sarr) runs 40 metres, overlaps, breaks into the box and you can’t go and look at the VAR. I’m sorry, but it’s ridiculous. I’m really sorry, but they’ve killed our competition there,” said Diatta when passing through the mixed-zone post-match, directing his comments towards journalists and members of CAF’s media service.

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