WATCH: “Nah this is generational head loss” – Fans LAUGH at Mali coach’s ‘water cooldown’ breakdown after loss to Ivory Coast at AFCON

AFCON's new meme is Eric Sekou Chelle after his team lost to Ivory Coast in the final minute.

WATCH: “Nah this is generational head loss” – Fans LAUGH at Mali coach’s ‘water cooldown’ breakdown after loss to Ivory Coast at AFCON

Mali head coach Eric Sekou Chelle was in 'tears' after the game. (Via CFC_Janty)

Besides being the best international competition in Africa, AFCON has mustered a reputation for generating the best memes in football. Unsurprisingly, as the quarter-finals of the tournament came to a close on Sunday, a moment during the Mali vs Ivory Coast game was taken notice of by fans on social media. The ‘underdogs’ put up a mighty effort against the tournament hosts, but were knocked out in the final minutes of extra-time.

As for the game itself, Mali put up a valiant effort in front of Ivory Coast, and managed to hang on till 120+2′. However, a goal from Oumar Diakité in the dying minutes ended the dream for Mali. The semi-finals of AFCON will kick off on the 7th of February, where Nigeria will take on South Africa. The second semi-final features hosts Ivory Coast against surprise team DR Congo.

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While the Mali players and staff were left in heartbreak, a ‘hilarious’ moment ensued on the touchline. Mali head coach Eric Sekou Chelle was reduced to ‘tears’, much to the laughter of fans.

While Chelle was on his haunches contemplating the defeat, a member of his supporting staff poured a bottle of water over his head. Many fans laughed at the same and got into a debate as to whether he was crying or not.

Fans react to Mali head coach’s confusing tactic to ‘conceal’ tears

Mali were knocked out of AFCON in the last minute of extra time. Eric Sekou Chelle’s team was leading the game till the very last minute of normal time, before Simon Adingra gave the hosts a lifeline. However, Mali were outplayed by Ivory Coast, seemingly reducing their head coach to tears. A fan commented that this was a generational headloss.

Oumar Diakité
Mali were knocked out by a late Oumar Diakité strike. (Via X/@goal)

Adding to his claim, a fan said that he couldn’t help but laugh at Chelle’s sadness. It is worth mentioning that AFCON generates memes on the daily. Many dubbed this as the ‘best one yet’ while spamming video clips of one’s head steaming due to the pressure. A supporter added that the coach was cooling down. Some even claimed that they saw smoke coming from his head.

https://twitter.com/CFC_Pukka/status/1753871988374839701?s=20
https://twitter.com/Shayor19/status/1753870853723263176?s=20

Many wanted AFCON to not end, after all the hilarious incidents that happened during the tournament. While Nigeria, DR Congo, South Africa, and Ivory Coast gear up for the showdown, fans are already claiming that this AFCON has surpassed every other Copa America in history. The final of the tournament is set to be held on 12th February.

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