VAR’s timely intervention saved Ivory Coast from a potential injustice during their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 showdown with Senegal. The turning point occurred when the referee initially overlooked a clear penalty for Ivory Coast, leaving fans in disbelief.
In the early minutes, Senegal took the lead through Habib Diallo, setting the stage for a tense encounter. However, Ivory Coast rallied in the second half, creating a pivotal moment in the 83rd minute. Former Arsenal player Nicolas Pepe found himself through on goal, only to be seemingly taken down by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
To the dismay of Ivory Coast players and fans, the referee dismissed their appeals for a penalty and went on to book Pepe for diving—an apparent misjudgment evident in subsequent replays. Fortunately, VAR stepped in, urging the referee to review the pitchside monitor. The correct decision was finally made, and a penalty was awarded.
Franck Kessie capitalized on the opportunity, converting the penalty with four minutes remaining, forcing the game into extra time. Fans expressed gratitude for VAR’s role in rectifying the blatant error, emphasizing that without it, justice might not have prevailed.