Many observers might have expected a Senegal side who convincingly beat Guinea, Cameroon and The Gambia during the group stage to build on the lead they established through Habib Diallo’s fourth-minute opener in the 1-1 draw.
“In defeat, we keep our dignity,” said manager Aliou Cisse, while striker Sadio Mane congratulated Ivory Coast and called football “cruel”.
“We stopped playing after our goal – that’s the regret,” added Cisse.
“We will see what the future has in store for us. I want to digest this defeat because everyone is disappointed.
“There will surely be discussions with my federation but my future does not matter at the moment. What matters is Senegal.”
Cisse oversaw Senegal’s 2021 Afcon triumph when they beat Egypt on penalties in the final and led them to the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup, losing to England but achieving an all-time high world ranking of 18th.
“Maybe it was the atmosphere, the stakes of the match or the pressure,” midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye said of their first Afcon defeat since losing the 2019 final.
“Ivory Coast were hurt and wanted to redeem themselves in front of their public, in front of their country.”
