The highly anticipated Senegal-Côte d’Ivoire clash, contested by the 22 players on the field, ended abruptly 20 minutes from the finish due to scenes of violence erupting in the stands of the Léopold-Sédar-Senghor stadium.
The match had a promising start with a strong Senegalese team dominating the first period. As early as the 5th minute, a remarkable save by Copa Barry prevented a goal for the Elephants, with Demba Ba threatening. Dame Ndoye also tested the Ivorian goal with a shot moments later, but without success. Despite the Ivorians struggling to assert their style of play, the Senegalese were less clinical in front of the goal. This was evident five minutes before halftime when an acrobatic attempt by Moussa Sow was punched away by Barry, resulting in a corner.
