Probably the wrong time to attempt a no-look penalty
Eric Bailly missed the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shootout as Ivory Coast exited the Africa Cup of Nations at the hands of Egypt.
The Manchester United defender attempted an audacious no-look spot-kick, but the Ivorian failed miserably as Egypt’s substitute goalkeeper – Mohamed Abou Gabal – comfortably saved his attempt.
Bailly was shown a yellow card in the ninth minute for a wild swipe – with former Red Devils assistant manager Carlos Quieroz’s side looking to start a counter-attack.
Prior to the game, it was unclear whether the centre-back would be fit enough to play after a head injury forced him out of the group decider against Algeria.
However, the 27-year-old was able to play but he was forced to wear a protective head guard.
With the game finishing 0-0 at the end of extra-time, a place in the quarter-finals was settled by a penalty shootout.
Eric Bailly misses for Ivory Coast! ❌ pic.twitter.com/Eu8EDycKHn
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 26, 2022
Bailly stepped up to take the third spot-kick but saw the Egyptian shot-stopper guess the right way as Mohamed Salah sealed the win with the Pharaohs’ final spot-kick – securing a 5-4 victory.
While a missed penalty is far from uncommon, the nature of Bailly’s miss will undoubtedly anger some Ivory Coast fans, with the experienced player attempting a no-look penalty in a decisive moment.
The defender will now return to Manchester as he attempts to break back into United’s starting line-up, something he has managed just three times in the Premier League so far this season.
Related links:
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- FIFA president claims biennial World Cup would stop ‘Africans crossing Mediterranean sea’
- Malawi boss fumes at treatment of ‘small’ nations at AFCON
