The Elephants lost 5-4 on penalties after a goal-less draw after extra time in Douala, with Cornet scoring a supremely confident spot kick in the shoot out.
That was in vain, however, as Mohamed Salah scored the deciding penalty after Eric Bailly’s earlier miss for Ivory Coast.
Cornet came on for Ajax’s former West Ham forward Sebastien Haller just before the second half of extra time, as Ivory Coast looked to break the deadlock.
It was only Cornet’s second appearance of the finals, after featuring in the opening group win over Equatorial Guinea.
He will now return from Cameroon, in time to face the Hornets at Turf Moor a week on Saturday.
1. Villa step up Bentancur interest
Aston Villa have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Rodrigo Bentancur from Serie A giants Juventus before the transfer deadline. (Football Insider) (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
2. Liverpool closing in on Diaz
Liverpool ‘are closing in on the signing of Luis Diaz’ after hijacking Tottenham’s move for the Porto and Colombia winger. (Mirror) (Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)
3. Gunners close to Turner deal
Arsenal are finalising the £5.8million signing of goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
4. Toon could land Grimaldo deal
Newcastle United could now beat Barcelona to a transfer for Alex Grimaldo. Benfica have warmed to the prospect of holding talks over a last-ditch deal to offload their star defender. (Sport) (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)