Man Utd defender Bailly gives away penalty for moment of madness ‘karate kick’
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Eric Bailly showed why Manchester United were so keen to sign Raphael Varane this summer, after giving away a penalty with a karate kick challenge during Ivory Coast's World Cup qualifier against Cameroon.
Ivory Coast won the match 2-1, with former West Ham United forward Sebastian Haller scoring both of the home side's goals.
The striker opened his account with a penalty of his own midway through the first half before doubling his tally to make it 2-0.
That looked to have sewn the game up for Ivory Coast, but Bailly had other ideas.
Channelling his inner-Bruce Lee, the error-prone centre-half allowed Cameroon back into the game.
With the ball in the air, Bailly went with his foot instead of his head and clattered into opposition forward Karl Toko Ekambi.
After raising his boot almost seven feet off the ground and connecting with Ekambi's head, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
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The Cameroonian dropped to the floor and held his head in pain, leaving the referee with little option but to award a spot-kick.
Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu converted the resulting penalty to halve the deficit and make the final 30 minutes interesting.
Fortunately for Bailly, his mistake did not prove costly and Ivory Coast held on to record an important 2-1 victory.
Patrice Beaumelle's side have taken six points out of a possible six from their opening two World Cup qualifying games and sit top of Group E.
Bailly will now return to Old Trafford, where he could find game time limited following the arrival of Real Madrid star Varane.
Despite what it might mean for his own playing prospects, the defender is pleased with the addition of the four-time Champions League winner.
"Yes, that’s United; we always have good players," he told Manchester United's official website last month.
"We have a very strong squad – we have brought in Varane, who has good experience and is a very good player.
"Ten years, I think he had in Spain, winning many trophies and that is very good for the mentality of the team.
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"I think the guys have good experience. They both know English football.
"Varane has played a few games against United and many other English clubs and I know he is ready to give everything for the team.
"For me, this season, the first thing is to be injury-free, to train well and wait for my time," continued United's No.3, when asked about his aims for the season.
"That’s my mentality. With the team, I hope we win many, many trophies.
"Last season, we played well and were second in the league and we lost in the final to Villarreal, but always, in football, you have another chance and I think this year is one for us to try to win many trophies."
- Manchester United FC
- Premier League
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