Nicolas Pepe: The dangerman that was rejected by Arsenal

When Ivory Coast caretaker manager Emerse Fae introduced Nicolas Pepe in the 65th minute against Senegal, replacing Reims forward Oumar Diakite, nobody expected magic from the former Arsenal man—and true, he did not deliver any.

However, his introduction, followed by the coming on of the star duo of Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller, marked the revival of Ivory Coast against Senegal in their last 16 clash of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The left-footed winger was subbed onto the right flank and immediately posed a threat to Senegal’s goal, prompting Senegal goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy and his defensive cover into action as the home support urged on the hosts.

Nicolas Pepe: The dangerman that was rejected by Arsenal — Nicolas Pepe was instrumental as Ivory Coast rallied from behind to knock out defending champions Senegal. [Photo/Reuters].

Redemption and the most pivotal moment of the game came in the 83rd minute when Pepe was sent through on goal but was brought down in the box by Mendy, only for referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho of Gabon to initially book him for simulation.

However, Atcho ran to the VAR booth, and upon reviewing the video, awarded the hosts a penalty, rescinded the yellow card he had shown to Pepe, and brandished one to Mendy.

Kessie, also an impactful substitute, stepped up to coolly convert the penalty and tie the game at 1-1. Pepe continued his onslaught on Senegal’s goal in the remaining regulation time and well into extra time, but a goal did not materialize.

Pepe was given the responsibility to take Ivory Coast’s first penalty of the shootout. The 28-year-old did not disappoint as he tucked it home, and the Ivorians went on to win 5-4, sending the host nation into a frenzy.

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It is worth noting that Pepe is an Arsenal reject. The Gunners broke their transfer record by signing him for £72 million from Lille in 2019 but let him go in the summer of 2023 after scoring 16 goals in 80 appearances.

In his last season with the Gunners, he was sent on loan to Ligue 1 side Nice, where he scored six goals in 19 matches. He now plays for the Turkish club Trabzonspor and has two goals in his seven appearances for the club.