Senegal vs Ivory Coast LIVE: Africa Cup of Nations result and reaction as hosts win penalty shootout

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast overcame their own poor form and lack of a head coach to upset reigning champions Senegal and progress into the quarter-finals on penalties.

The outcome was all the more improbable given Senegal had emerged from their group phase with a perfect record, the only one in the tournament, while Ivory Coast only snuck through as the lowest-ranked qualifier of the third-placed teams, without a goal in their previous two fixtures.

And if initially the form guide looked to be providing a fairly routine outcome, it was Ivory Coast’s persistance and ability from the spot - particularly from subsitute Franck Kessie - which ultimately had the defining impact.

Follow the reaction below and check out the latest football odds here.

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

• Cabo Verde 1-0 Mauritania in earlier knockout clash

• Senegal XI - Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, A Diallo, Jakobs, Diatta, Camara, PM Sarr, Mane, H Diallo, I Sarr

• Ivory Coast XI - Y Fofana, Konan, Seri, S Fofana, Kossounou, Krasso, Diakite, Gradel, Aurier, Sangare, Ndicka

• Goal - Diallo’s rocket puts Senegal ahead early on (1-0)

• Goal - Kessie scores penalty to equalise with six minutes left (1-1)

• FT - Penalty shootout after no further goals in extra time

• PENS: Senegal 4-5 Ivory Coast - Kessie scores winner to send hosts through

Cape Verde into Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after beating Mauritania

23:30 , Karl Matchett

Ryan Mendes converted a late penalty as Cape Verde beat Mauritania 1-0 in Abidjan to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cape Verde captain Mendes struck the decisive spot kick in the 88th minute and the Blue Sharks will now face either Morocco or South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Cape Verde, one of the surprise teams of the tournament after finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B ahead of Egypt and Ghana, were second best for most of the first half, but finished strongly to secure their passage.

Cape Verde into Afcon quarter-finals after beating Mauritania

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast, 4-5 on penalties

23:20 , Karl Matchett

For Senegal, the inquest starts now you would feel.

Three wins from three in the group stage and ahead here inside five minutes, they should have been confident and capable of wrapping up the match.

But they sat back too much, failed to seize the initiative at any point after that really and were eventually punished from the penalty spot - six times, in fact.

The holders exit without a knockout victory to their name.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast, 4-5 on penalties

23:10 , Karl Matchett

Ivory Coast will now play either Mali or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals and, suddenly, the route looks there for them to make a real run deep into the competition.

The winners of that quarter-final will play DR Congo or Guinea in the semi-finals - both you would feel are very winnable opponents if Ivory Coast can get their game together and perhaps get a bit more fitness into some of those impactful players off the bench tonight.

In Haller, Kouame, Pepe and Kessie they had real quality to use as subs - can they become starters and push the team on towards improbable glory?

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast, 4-5 on penalties

23:02 , Karl Matchett

Scenes as the players and coaches sprint onto the pitch, a quite incredible result for Ivory Coast considering they almost didn’t make it out of the groups.

And the champions are out! Senegal had it in their hands tonight, they led and should have really pressed on their advantage but exit in pretty tame fashion.

The hosts, however, roll on.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast, 4-5 on penalties

22:59 , Karl Matchett

It’s Franck Kessie. He scored the penalty late in the 90 minutes to send the tie to extra time, and then onto penalties.

Now he can score to send the hosts to the last eight of the Afcon.

Up steps Kessie against Mendy once more...GOAL!

High, above the keeper, into the net and into the quarter-finals!!

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:58 , Karl Matchett

Final taker and it’s Sadio Mane, the goalscorer two years ago to win it. He assisted tonight’s goal too...scores! Buried it, drilled down the middle. 4-4 and it’s down to Ivory Coast’s last penalty.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:57 , Karl Matchett

Serge Aurier now for Ivory Coast...goal! Side-footed high, just above the reach of Mendy! That’s 3-4 after four penalties each. Senegal must score their fifth or it’s all over.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:56 , Karl Matchett

Bamba Dieng up next, takes it quickly...and scores! Scuffed a little, but finds the corner. 3-3.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:55 , Karl Matchett

Advantage Ivory Coast if Seb Haller can score...goal! Clips it past the keeper into the corner and Ivory Coast ahead, 2-3 after three apiece.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:54 , Karl Matchett

Moussa Niakhate up next for Senegal, left foot....hits the post!! It remains 2-2!

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:53 , Karl Matchett

Christian Kouame is up next, another Ivory Coast substitute. He steps up...goal! Buried into the bottom right corner. Four very good penalties and it’s 2-2.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:52 , Karl Matchett

Pape Matar Sarr for Senegal...goal! Drilled high to the left, powered into the net. 2-1 to Senegal.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:51 , Karl Matchett

Nicolas Pepe is up first for Ivory Coast, having missed at this stage two years ago. Here he comes...scores! Fine strike, bottom left corner.

1-1 after one apiece.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:49 , Karl Matchett

Kalidou Koulibaly first...and scores! Hard and high to the right. 1-0 to Senegal.

FT - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast: Penalty shootout

22:48 , Karl Matchett

Right, here we go then. Goalkeepers are ready, takers are chosen. It’s down to these strike from 12 yards for a place in the last eight.

FT ET - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:42 , Karl Matchett

That’s it, 120 minutes and they can’t be separated.

The champions took the lead early, the hosts equalised late. Now they will have a penalty shootout to see who reaches the quarter-finals.

ET120’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:40 , Karl Matchett

Injury time at the end of extra time. Very little intent from either team over this past 15 minutes to crate anything of note, in truth. The usual - nobody wants to make the mistake that costs their team.

But someone will have to, once we go to a penalty shootout. Will it be hero goalkeepers, or villains from the spot?

ET117’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:38 , Karl Matchett

Final sub for Ivory Coast, their extra change allowed in extra time. Singo comes on for Kossounou.

Mane tries to break away after challenging Kessie but it’s a foul and we’re just minutes from penalties now.

ET112’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:32 , Karl Matchett

Mane and Gueye try to combine on the edge of the box but the latter’s touch isn’t sure enough and Ivory Coast break.

Kouame picks it up down the right and drives a shot-cross in at goal but it’s parried away by Mendy.

Straight down the other end and Mane is in acres of space, crosses to Gueye...but again he can’t get hold of it, Diaye goes to ground and a tussle eventually sees the ball out of play.

ET108' - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:29 , Karl Matchett

Ivory Coast dominant, but no clear openings for them. They’re not forcing the issue just yet but neat buildup and a patient approach - and more bodies in the box - marks them out as the team most likely to fashion a chance at the moment.

Senegal still a threat on the break but it’s so sporadic.

HT ET - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:22 , Karl Matchett

Big chance for Mane right at the end but Fofana is out quickly to block him after a clipped ball into the box from Diatta.

Not quite enough from Mane tonight since his assist early on.

There’s the whistle and it’s time to turn around. 15 minutes to penalties.

ET102’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:17 , Karl Matchett

Fofana has crashed into his own post here in trying to ensure a lofted ball clears the danger zone; either he needs a bit of treatment or he’s happy to give his teammates a breather. He’s down in any case getting attention.

Just a couple more minutes until the interval; Diallo tries an ambitious overhead kick but there’s no danger of that dropping in.

ET98’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:13 , Karl Matchett

Aurier’s turn now to shoot from distance; his skidding effort is past Mendy but also past the post. Ivory Coast do seem to have the upper hand in extra time so far, just continuing that in-game momentum which saw them score late on from the spot in normal time.

Senegal really have to find a way to rouse themselves or else they’ll leave matters to fortune from the spot.

ET94’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:11 , Karl Matchett

Adingra tries to move the ball on but falls and as Mane breaks away, Aurier pulls him down. Yellow card for the right-back.

Change for Senegal: Ismaila Sarr off, Iliman Diaye on.

ET91’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:07 , Karl Matchett

Back underway as we start extra time. Sarr tries to surge forward and play in Jackson but the Chelsea man is stood offside. Will we see one team going for the victory in extra time, or a typically tight and tense additional 30?

FT’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

22:00 , Karl Matchett

And there is the whistle - it’s all square on 90 minutes and we’ll have another 30 to separate the champions and the hosts.

Penalties to follow if it’s still all level.

90+7’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

21:59 , Karl Matchett

Last minute. Mane brings the ball down in the box and tees up Gueye, whose shot is blocked and diverted away for a corner. Needs a good delivery...it’s awful. Way out of play on the far side for a throw-in and we’ll surely now be heading to extra time.

90+4’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

21:58 , Karl Matchett

Koulibaly dribbles out of defence, loses the ball, rushes back and drags Adingra to ground. Should be shown a yellow card but isn’t, but it’s another chance for Ivory Coast to get the ball in the box.

Pepe’s delivery is overhit though and it floats out for a Mendy goal kick.

Back come Senegal with a long pass looking for Jackson, who has been mostly unable to get into the game so far. He’s outmuscled and the minutes tick down.

90’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

21:54 , Karl Matchett

Seven minutes added on and we’re into that injury time now.

A lofted ball into the box briefly looks as though Senegal might have a chance themselves, but the whistle goes for a foul. Suddenly the green shirts are anxious to get the ball forward and get on the attack themselves once more, but there’s not much cohesion to their forward play, given they’ve not really put many moves together for the past hour or so.

88’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

21:51 , Karl Matchett

Well now, let’s see if we have a late chance for a winner...or if they both settle for extra time.

Senegal have been a bit too passive in this game since scoring early on and a chance like that was always the risk.

Can Ivory Coast keep up the momentum in game? Pepe races into the box once more but this time Mendy is out to grab it safely.

GOAL! 84’ - Senegal 1-1 Ivory Coast

21:48 , Karl Matchett

Mendy is booked for the foul and now has to compose himself to face a spot-kick from Franck Kessie, who is just off the bench.

Up steps the midfielder...and scores!

Ivory Coast are level!

84’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:45 , Karl Matchett

Penalty to Ivory Coast! A route back into the tie for them from the spot in the final ten minutes of the game.

82’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:45 , Karl Matchett

What has happened here!! Pepe races through, beats the keeper to the ball, the keeper wipes him out and Diallo smashes behind for a corner. The referee somhow says no, not a spot-kick?! And books Kouame for his wild protests!

Crazy scenes - this surely gets overturned and a penalty given. We will see.... yes! Referee heading over to the sidelines. Aliou Cisse and one of his coaches are both booked for their own protests.

80’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:41 , Karl Matchett

Route one and almost one-one! Nicolas Pepe races in behind and curls a first-time shot on target, but Mendy is again alert and reacts to parry his save and grasp the ball at the second attempt.

Straight up the other end, Jackson beats his man on the outside and tries a low cross to an unmarked Sarr, but Ndicka gets his body in the way and clears for a corner.

Fofana’s attempted catch of the set piece is almost very costly as he drops the ball in the six-yard box, but Koulibaly can’t balance himself to turn and finish.

Final Ivory Coast sub: Christian Kouame on for Seko Fofana.

76’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:37 , Karl Matchett

Big chance for Sadio Mane but he can’t get the ball out of his feet for an early shot, swaps passes with Sarr and then scoops his eventual effort wide of the far post.

Cooling break now for the players, then it’s a sprint finish for the final 15 or so.

74’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:36 , Karl Matchett

Yellow card for Camara for standing on Pepe’s ankle. Clumsy rather than any kind of tackle, but certainly sore.

Time for Ivory Coast to go to the bench once more for another double change: Seb Haller on with Franck Kessie; Sangare and Krasso replaced.

From the set piece there’s a great chance for the equaliser and Mendy makes two fine saves - first Kessie with a strike and then powering in the rebound, both stopped by the keeper!

70’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:32 , Karl Matchett

Fofana lifts the ball over for Aurier to run onto but Mane has tracked him all the way and it’s an important boot in from the forward to clear up rather than away, allowing Mendy to come and grasp the ball mid-air.

The match just starting to open up a little now, Senegal countering with more menace and Ivory Coast knowing their time is running somehwat short.

Lamine Camara goes for goal from range with a low, bouncing shot, but it’s harmlessly wide of goal.

66’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:29 , Karl Matchett

Ivory Coast double change: Simon Adingra and Nicolas Pepe on, Diakite and Gradel being replaced.

Sadio Mane fashions space on the edge of the box and tees up Jakob, but his right-footed effort is skewed off-target and well wide.

Now there’s a change for Senegal and it’s Nicolas Jackson replacing goalscorer Habib Diallo.

62’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:25 , Karl Matchett

Fofana surges on once more but again it’s the four and five of Senegal who stand firm, hard work throughout and good reactions to any transitions.

There’s a reason why they are favourites, and indeed champions. But the hosts have to find a way somehow - they haven’t scored since the 58th minute of their opener, with two shut-outs since then and no goal in a total of 274 minutes.

Haller is warming up on the touchline for them but Ivory Coast need more service, not just another body.

58’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:20 , Karl Matchett

No second view for the ref, no penalty. On further replays it looks more as though perhaps Sarr steps across Koussounou to instigate the contact, so that’s a good decision from the on-pitch official.

We’re approach the hour mark and Ivory Coast haven’t really tested Mendy yet, despite some improved play over the last 25 minutes either side of half time.

54’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:18 , Karl Matchett

Niakite really getting into the game now. The No14 gets past his man again and crosses low but nobody is in the box to tap home as Mendy flails!

Straight up the other end Sarr bursts into the area and goes to ground under a heavy challenge - the referee waves play on as the former Watford man deands a penalty.

Kossounou definitely goes across the back of his legs once he’s in the box but will VAR demand a second look? No movement from the referee yet so perhaps not.

50’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:14 , Karl Matchett

Niakite tries to dribble past three defenders at once and goes to ground. Perhaps a bit of pulling on his arm but he went down easily. Krasso appears to win it back for Ivory Coast but the Gabonese referee pulls play back for a free-kick to Senegal - Krasso’s turn to be unhappy.

46' - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

21:10 , Karl Matchett

Back underway - and immediately a big chance for Ismaila Sarr who is put in down the right channel and his low shot is tipped around the post!

So close to 2-0 for Senegal - Ivory Coast can’t afford another sloppy start to the match. Koulibaly flicks on the delivery after the corner but it’s wide.

HT - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:58 , Karl Matchett

Work to do for Ivory Coast but they have certainly played their way back into the match.

Shots 2-2

On target 1-1

Corners 2-2

Possession 37%-63%

Yellow cards 1-0

HT - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:52 , Karl Matchett

A late counter for Senegal could easily have seen them double their lead but a last-ditch piece of defending blocks the final pass, with Sarr looking to run through.

Gradel was clamouring for a penalty a moment earlier after what he claimed was a push but there was barely any contact. Senegal lead 1-0 at the interval.

45+4’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:50 , Karl Matchett

Well into first-half stoppage time. Aurier crosses from the right aiming for Gradel on the run, but it’s Diatta who heads clear and Senegal clear their lines once more.

Pape Sarr strides forward and unleashes an ambitious effort from range; it’s a little optimistic though and well over bar.

That should be just about enough for the Lions of Teranga to get to the break a goal ahead.

45’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:47 , Karl Matchett

Diakite runs into trouble twice, giving a foul away once and losing the ball the other. Individual dribbles don’t really look to be the route to goal for CIV.

Mane breaks down the left flank now and escapes Aurier, crossing low for Ismaila Sarr - his attempted shot is blocked by the keeper at close quarters and then the ref says the ball has gone out of play. Didn’t quite look it though.

Five minutes added on.

42’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:43 , Karl Matchett

Fofana has had enough - he just barrels through about three defenders, running past them and bouncing the ball off his knee, chest, anything to just keep going and get into the box.

No defender can keep pace but Mendy is out quickly to narrow the angle and concede the corner.

It really is those two midfielders making bits happen for CIV but they’ll need a little more cutting edge from those ahead of them in the box.

38’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:41 , Karl Matchett

Sloppy on the ball from Senegal, who still lead by a goal. But there’s nothing sloppy about their defensive approach. As soon as the ball is lost they have men behind it, a clear line of five across the middle and just waiting for their chance to break forward now and then.

34’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:36 , Karl Matchett

Back underway and Seri crashes into Mane to bring down the Senegal forward. No card this time but Mane’s not amused.

Senegal then try to build from the back and play out, but Mendy overhits a pass by about 20 yards out of play for a throw-in.

Just lacking a bit of rhythm in this game right now, a bit of direction from one team or the other.

30’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:33 , Karl Matchett

It’s cooling break o’clock.

Senegal looking really comfortable over the last 15 minutes, despite Ivory Coast attempting a bit more possession inside the attacking half - they simply aren’t going anywhere with it.

That said, Senegal’s desire to find the net or opposition box at all has deteriorated entirely since taking the lead.

28’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:30 , Karl Matchett

More possession for the hosts - rather than the ‘home’ designated team - in the past ten minutes, but Senegal’s defence is well-organised and Ivory Coast aren’t playing with anything like the speed or invention required to break it down.

A ball down the left channel sees Krasso tee up Fofana, but his shot is blocked by a defender a yard away.

24’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:25 , Karl Matchett

Seri’s free-kick is really poor though and Mendy makes a comfortable save.

Forward come Senegal but it’s very slow from them at the moment - that early goal means they don’t have to force the issue and are quite happy to indulge in ponderous, safe build-up work in deep areas.

We haven’t seen much of the front three since Mane’s poor tackle.

20’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:23 , Karl Matchett

Sangare is really the one who might be able to make something happen for Ivory Coast, running from deep. He’s back on now and looks fine, thankfully.

Krasso and Fofana are making running either side of him but they can’t find a route into the Senegal box this time.

Gradel then spins past Krepin Diatta and wins a free-kick, a decent chance to deliver.

16’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:19 , Karl Matchett

Fofana dribbles past three challenges in midfield to drag Ivory Coast upfield but they can’t fashion a chance - more bodies forward this time though so they keep pressure on a little longer.

The hosts yet to manage a shot - in fact the only shot in the game so far was Diallo’s goal.

12’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:15 , Karl Matchett

Lengthy greatment for Sangare, stretchered off, who was clearly hurt by that tackle. VAR haven’t suggested anything about upgrading Mane’s yellow but it must have been on the edge.

We are back underway now and no sub yet for Ivory Coast.

8’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:11 , Karl Matchett

So, Ivory Coast must regroup and go again. They’ve not really got started yet, not able to play out of their own half with any cohesion.

But there’s a reckless challenge suddenly from Sadio Mane and he’s shown a yellow card, clattering into Sangare in the centre circle - it wasn’t nice at all, studs into the shin of the CIV midfielder.

VAR will check that for sure.

GOAL! 4’ - Senegal 1-0 Ivory Coast

20:06 , Karl Matchett

What a start, Senegal ahead! A Mane cross from the left is controlled on the chest by Habib Diallo and he swivels to rocket a left-footed half-volley straight into the top corner!

Brilliant hit and it’s 1-0 to the reigning champions!

1’ - Senegal 0-0 Ivory Coast

20:03 , Karl Matchett

We have kick-off in Yamoussoukro!

Lots of expectation on Senegal, lots of local misgivings about how Cote D’Ivoire have begun their Afcon campaign. But they’re still in it and on we go - let’s see if they have a response tonight.

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

20:01 , Karl Matchett

We are ready for kick-off!

Senegal with their 4-3-3, Sarr, Diallo and Mane that dangerous-looking front line. They play in green.

In orange it’s Ivory Coast, with their caretaker boss on the bench and a 4-4-2 lineup, according to the prematch graphics. We’ll see if it pans out that way. Sangare and Fofana the midfield pairing and they’ll be vital today.

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:55 , Karl Matchett

The players emerge onto the pitch, plenty of colour and noise in the stands.

There’s no question the holders come into this match as favourites, with Senegal winning all three group games. Ivory Coast, the hosts, had to rely on results elsewhere to squeak through as a best third-placed team.

Anthems time - kick-off minutes away!

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:51 , Karl Matchett

Odds ahead of kick-off:

Senegal 11/10

Draw 6/4

Ivory Coast 23/10

First scorer:

Mane 6/1

H Diallo 7/1

I Sarr 17/2

Krasso 9/1

Gradel 10/1

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:38 , Karl Matchett

The players are warming up - pretty sure the fans are already ready for the night’s action! Naturally, we have extra time and penalties tonight if required. We need a winner.

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:30 , Karl Matchett

Afcon last-16 results

Angola 3-0 Namibia

Nigeria 2-0 Cameroon

Equatorial Guinea 0-1 Guinea

Egypt 1-1 DR Congo (DRC won 9-8 on pens)

Cabo Verde 1-0 Mauritania

Still to play:

Senegal vs Ivory Coast, 8pm kick-off

Mali vs Burkina Faso, Tuesday at 5pm

Morocco vs South Africa, Tuesday at 8pm

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:20 , Karl Matchett

Results so far:

Senegal

3-0 vs Gambia

3-1 vs Cameroon

2-0 vs Guinea

Ivory Coast

2-0 vs Guinea-Bissau

0-1 vs Nigeria

0-4 vs Equatorial Guinea

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:10 , Karl Matchett

There is an argument that no team will be so badly affected by the midseason international tournaments as Tottenham. Captain Son Heung-min and midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are all key starting players under Ange Postecoglou, and were instrumental in the team’s fast start to the season, which briefly saw them on top of the Premier League.

The Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations have weakened other clubs, of course. But Liverpool’s squad depth has allowed them to cope without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo to some degree. Manchester United and Andre Onana might even benefit from some time apart. Whereas Spurs look like a different team without their first-choice midfield.

The statistics are compelling. Tottenham have played 12 games this season with both Bissouma and Sarr in the starting XI, and won nine of those. They’ve played five games without either of the duo, and only won once.

It is a small sample size but enough to back up what is obvious to the eye, glaringly so on Friday night against Manchester City. In fairness, it was a scrappy late goal from a corner which knocked Spurs out of the FA Cup. But City created vatfuls of chances, and they found it easy to glide through Tottenham’s soft centre, a midfield made of mush.

Lawrence Ostlere on why Tottenham’s midfield will not click until their Afcon stars return:

Tottenham’s midfield will not click until their Afcon stars return

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

19:03 , Karl Matchett

The starting lineups are in!

Senegal XI - Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, A Diallo, Jakobs, Diatta, Camara, PM Sarr, Mane, H Diallo, I Sarr

Ivory Coast XI - Y Fofana, Konan, Seri, S Fofana, Kossounou, Krasso, Diakite, Gradel, Aurier, Sangare, Ndicka

Egypt stunned by DR Congo as goalkeeper nets winning penalty in shoot-out

18:55 , Karl Matchett

Egypt suffered more Africa Cup of Nations shoot-out heartache as goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scored the winning penalty to send DR Congo through to the quarter-finals.

All four of the Pharaohs’ knockout games in the 2021 tournament required additional time, culminating in a spot-kick defeat to Senegal in the final.

And, after a 1-1 draw following extra-time, they went the same way in San Pedro with an 8-7 loss on penalties.

Mostafa Mohamed continued to step up in the absence of the injured Mohamed Salah with his fourth goal in as many matches from the spot, cancelling out Meschack Elia’s opener, with Egypt hanging on in extra time following Mohamed Hamdy’s 97th-minute red card.

Mohamed missed from 12 yards the second time around and keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal also fluffed his lines, leaving opposite number Mpasi to hold his nerve and set up a last-eight clash with Guinea.

Egypt stunned by DR Congo as goalkeeper nets winning penalty in shoot-out

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

18:45 , The Independent

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Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

18:35 , Karl Matchett

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the knockout stages as Ivory Coast play host for the second time in the competition’s history.

Of the 24 nations taking part in the Afcon, Senegal were installed as the pre-tournament favourites, with a raft of top players including Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Nicolas Jackson. But the reigning champions face stiff competition for the trophy, not least from Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the World Cup last year.

The tournament is officially Afcon 2023, despite taking place in 2024, after it was pushed back several months due to concerns over the Senegalese heat in the summer months.

Here is the full schedule of fixtures, dates and kick-off times, and get all the latest football betting sites offers here.

Afcon schedule: Today’s Africa Cup of Nations fixtures, start times and TV channels

Senegal vs Ivory Coast - LIVE

18:08 , Karl Matchett

Welcome to the Independent’s live coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 clash, as Senegal take on hosts Ivory Coast.

The winners will play either Mali or Burkina Faso in the last eight.

Eaerlier in the evening, Cabo Verde and Mauritania are also playing and we’ll have goal updates from the second half of that fixture too.

Cape Verde into Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after beating Mauritania

23:07 , Karl Matchett

Ryan Mendes converted a late penalty as Cape Verde beat Mauritania 1-0 in Abidjan to seal their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Cape Verde captain Mendes struck the decisive spot kick in the 88th minute and the Blue Sharks will now face either Morocco or South Africa in the quarter-finals.

Cape Verde, one of the surprise teams of the tournament after finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B ahead of Egypt and Ghana, were second best for most of the first half, but finished strongly to secure their passage.

Match report:

Cape Verde into quarter-finals of Africa Cup of Nations after beating Mauritania