AFCON 2019 Match Report: Algeria vs Nigeria: Late Mahrez strike sends Desert Foxes into final

Riyad Mahrez’s stupendous free-kick deep into stoppage time secured Algeria a 2-1 victory over three-time champions Nigeria in their semi-final clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening.

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The Desert Foxes came into the tie against the Super Eagles with right-back Mehdi Zeffane coming into Youcef Atal’s spot.

Algeria were in firm control of the match from the get go, and Djamel Belmadi’s charges saw their resilience pay off with five minutes remaining before the interval when Mahrez delivered a cross into the box which was deflected into the back of the net by Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong.

The second stanza saw Nigeria come back a better side, and defended as a unit before they were given a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when Algeria’s Aissa Mandi blocked Peter Etebo’s shot with his hand just inside the box. Nigeria were given a penalty after VAR decision. Odion Ighalo stepped up to restore parity, netting his fourth goal of the tournament.

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Gernot Rohr’s charges had themselves to blame for not putting the match to bed when Arsenal striker Alex Iwobi’s low shot in the final 10 minutes from yards out was parried M’Bolhi at the bottom corner.

With the match looking likely to be heading into extra-time, Algeria were given a free-kick just outside the box. Manchester City winger Mahrez stepped up to score an audacious set-piece which all but sealed the Desert Foxes’ spot in the final.

Belmadi’s troops will face Senegal, who overcame Tunisia 1-0 in the other semi-final tie, in the final on Friday, July 19.