Sadio Mane has shared his disappointment after Senegal's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations at the Round of 16 stage in Cote d'Ivoire.
Defending champions Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations by the host nation, Cote d'Ivoire, in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regular time.
Despite creating an early assist for Habib Diallo's goal, Mane emphasized that they couldn't capitalize on their chances.
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The Al-Nassr star acknowledged the cruelty of the game but admitted that Cote d'Ivoire, ultimately, emerged as the deserving winners, advancing to the quarter-finals at the expense of the reigning champions.
"Football is cruel. The God of football was not with us tonight.
"We gave everything, we did what we had to, even if I think we could have killed the match
"But that is not the case, and overall I will say that the best won," he told Wiw Sport.
Mane will now return to his club side Al Nassr for the resumption of the new season.
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