Former Rangers loanee Lassana Coulibaly suffered heartbreak at the African Cup of Nations on Monday.
The 23-year-old has become a key figure for Mali and played the full 90 minutes in all three of his country’s group games. After wins over Mauritania and Angola, alongside a draw with much-fancied Tunisia, The Eagles topped Group E.
Theoretically, that should have landed them an easier draw for the knockout stages. Yet, unfortunately, they landed the Ivory Coast.
On paper, it looked a big ask, but Mali spent much of the first half on the front foot. Coulibaly appeared to have license to get forward from midfield and looked lively in and around the box.
However, his teammates failed to take multiple half-chances that presented themselves in the early stages. In sweltering 36 degree heat at the Suez Stadium, the Elephants than made Mali pay.
On 76 minutes, Crystal Palace attacker, Wilfried Zaha, got in behind and tucked home a smart finish sparking wild celebrations.
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The Ivory Coast held firm thereafter and will now face Algeria in their quarter-final on Thursday.
It’s disappointing for Coulibaly and Mali, who, after a strong group stage showing, would have had designs on going to whole way.
After Rangers decided against pursuing a permanent deal for the midfielder, he will now return to Ligue 1 outfit Angers, for the 2019/20 season.
Highlights of the match can be found here.
