According to Express, Senegal star Lamine Camara was devastated after his country’s round-of-16 loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations. After losing a penalty shootout, the midfielder had to be carried down the tunnel and into the dressing room by his teammate Cheikhou Kouyate.
Senegal took the lead through Al Shabab star Habib Diallo after just four minutes in Yamoussoukro, breaking the curse of the reigning champions failing to reach the final eight since 2010.
Ivory Coast responded well in the second half and dominated the game, despite missing several crucial chances to level the score. In the 85th minute, Nicolas Pepe was brought down inside the penalty area by ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, giving the home team hope.
Franck Kessie converted from the spot, sending the game to extra time and then penalties. Kessie was the hero again for Ivory Coast, scoring the winning penalty kick after Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate’s effort hit the post.
The home crowd went crazy after Kessie slotted his penalty past Mendy. Senegal players, on the other hand, were devastated by the outcome, despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites.
Camara, a Metz midfielder, was among those who were visibly upset, to the point where he struggled to walk alone due to tears.
The 20-year-old left the pitch with a towel over his face to try to hide his tears and was seen walking gingerly, prompting ex-Crystal Palace defender Kouyate – who was an unused substitute for the match – to pick him up. The Forest star lifted Camara off the pitch and carried him down the tunnel, out of sight of the home fans who were celebrating.
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Camara, who broke into the national team last year after impressive performances for Senegalese outfit Generation Foot, will remember the crushing defeat for a long time. His performances quickly drew Metz’s attention, and he has made 17 appearances for the Ligue 1 club this season, prompting speculation that he may be on the move again soon, with top European clubs keeping a close eye on him.
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