Ivory Coast will not participate in the final of the 7th Games of La Francophonie after losing to Morocco on penalties (8-9) following a 1-1 draw in regular time. In the other semifinal, defending champion Congo Brazzaville won against Senegal after a penalty shootout (3-2) following a goalless regulation time.
Youssef Essaïdy, a striker for Morocco, acknowledged the difficulty of penalty shootouts, stating, “It was difficult for us nervously, it’s stressful for all the teams in the world, a penalty shootout. We knew that there was a very good Ivory Coast team facing us. It was a very good match tonight.”
Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé expressed his pride in his team despite the defeat, stating, “I don’t think the best team won today. But I am very proud of my boys.”
Senegal and Ivory Coast will compete for third place on September 15 before the final takes place.
