Senegal coach Aliou Cisse apologised to the Senegalese for their hard-to-accept elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament by hosts Cote d'Ivoire on Monday.
The Teranga Lions lost 5-4 in post-match penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The defending Champions scored in the fourth minute courtesy of Habib Diallo's superb strike with Sadio Mane providing the assist.
The Elephants drew back level from the spot in the 86th minute with Franck Kessie slotting home after a long VAR review.
Cisse said their elimination was a bitter pill to swallow and left players crying.
"I am disappointed after this result, especially for our players. We came here to win the title and play for our people. That's football; in 2022, we were happy, and in 2024, the opposite is happening," Cisse said.
"Sorry to our players and to the Senegalese people. It's tough to see the players cry in the locker room."
Senegal lacked the usual rhythm associated with their style of play, thanks to a determined performance from the Ivorians who relentlessly attacked after going down 1-0.
The persistent pressure disrupted Senegal's game plan.
"The match was strange and complicated; we could have won the game. We lost on penalties; we kept our lead until the last 5 minutes of the match," Cisse pointed out.
"I am disappointed after this defeat, especially after the performance we put in during the match and from the first match of the competition.
"We need to make changes after this defeat; we'll see what happens in the future. There is sorrow, and our players are sad, as is the Senegalese people.
"We prepared well for this competition, and let's not forget we have three wins in three matches in the group stage," Cisse said.
