Ivory Coast boss Patrice Beaumelle has revealed Manchester United defender was 'very down' following his side's AFCON exit yesterday evening.
The United defender missed a crucial penalty in the last 16 tie, with the Elephants falling to a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat in Douala.
The game had gone through 120 nervy minutes at 0-0 before being decided by spot-kicks, with Liverpool's Mohammed Salah netted the winning penalty.
Ivory Coast had most recently defeated reigning champions Algeria to top group E. but it was the Pharaohs who progressed to this year's AFCON quarter-finals.
Beaumelle spoke following the defeat, insisting he was proud of Bailly's efforts despite the finale.
"He was crying and it was very hard," the 43-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
"I hugged him and I just said 'You are a big champion'. All the big champions miss penalties, I have so many examples.
"I think the goalkeeper did well. He saved two or three chances in extra-time and saved the penalty from Eric.
"You know, when you lose on penalties you have nothing else to say. I am very sad for the boys because my feeling was we could go very far in this competition."
Bailly will return to the UK in the coming days following his national side's exit, bidding to help United ensure a top four finish this season.
Ivory Coast are also set to face England in an international friendly on March 29, with the game taking place at Wembley Stadium, as per the recent announcement made by the FA.
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