SAINTS winger Moussa Djenepo’s excellent performance wasn’t enough to prevent Mali from crashing out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Eagles were beaten 1-0 by Ivory Coast in the last 16, thanks to a 76th minute goal from Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

Djenepo caused havoc down the wing and laid the ball on a plate for teammate Moussa Marega, only for the striker to miss from close range.

Mali continued to dominate the proceedings in the second half, with Saints' summer signing coming close with a chance of his own.

The 21-year-old was slipped in by Marega and then proceeded to charge down on the Ivory Coast net.

However, Djenepo lost his footing at the vital moment and the opportunity went begging.

Zaha's side then put their foot on the gas and started to apply pressure to the Mali goal.

Jonathan Kodjia was the first Ivorian to come close and should have put his team ahead from inside the box but he fired his shot straight at goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Mali succumbed to the pressure and a defensive error from a free-kick led to Zaha striking the ball into the back of the net.

Djenepo's side had an opportunity in the closing moments through Adama Traore which was blocked.

Marega, who was named man of the match, said: “I am disappointed like all my teammates because we deserved more. We were the better side.”