Algeria 2-1 Nigeria
Algeria will meet Senegal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final.
That’s after another compelling last four tie and a semi-final just as close as the first one – hardly a surprise given this was a showdown between footballing nations known as the Desert Foxes and the Super Eagles whose previous encounters have so often provided tremendous sparks.
It wasn’t always pretty but that did not make it any less interesting to watch.
Highlights of the game
There were African Cup of Nations highlights virtually from kick-off.
Twice in the first 16 minutes, in fact, did Algeria have the chance to take the lead.
First, a cross from the left from Youcef Belaili could not be collected by goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and, as the ball bounced up, it went straight into Baghdad Bounedjah’s hip only for it to deflect just wide with the goal completely unguarded.
Then Ismael Bennacer played a delightful ball into the area and Ramy Bensebaini – in the news this week – rose unmarked but headed over the bar.
Nigeria bounced back and, from a cross from Nigerian wonderkid Daniel Chukwueze, Chidozie Awaziem could not keep the ball down at the far post.
Just before the half hour, play switched to the other end and it was a good chance but Bounedjah could only hit a desperately weak shot straight into Akpeyi with only the goalkeeper to beat.
A minute after former Watford frontman Odion Ighalo fired just wide, Algeria took the lead.
They say a week can be a long time in politics and it can also be in football.
Certainly, William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s hero as he grabbed a last-gasp winner for the Eagles in their quarter-final triumph against South Africa, could be forgiven for being deflated five minutes before the break.
After Riyad Mahrez ghosted past Jamilu Collins, his cross took a nick off the defender and then hit Troost-Ekong on the stomach and flew into the net.
There was no doubt Algeria deserved their half-time advantage, even if the way they broke the deadlock was fortuitous.
Chances were at a premium after the break but a key moment arrived just past the halfway mark in the second period.
Play continued as Peter Etebo’s shot was blocked by Aissa Mandi and, eventually, after VAR was consulted – it should never take this long – a penalty was awarded.
It was actually a whole four minutes after the original offence when Oghalo kept his cool to send the ball into the corner for the equaliser.
There were ugly scenes as bottles were thrown after the leveller.
Algeria came close to snatching a late winner but, deep in injury time, Bennacer struck the bar with Akpeyi beaten and extra-time loomed.
Yet the competition favourites would simply not be denied as Mahrez struck a quite brilliant free-kick into the top corner.
Sofiane Feghouli was bundled over just outside the penalty box and up stepped Mahrez to curl the ball into the top left corner and sealed a first final appearance for Les Verts in 29 years.
Nigeria’s wall left Akpeyi helpless and the full-time whistle blew as soon as they kicked off. They were despondent, Algeria ecstatic.
Cairo International Stadium has seen plenty of drama at AFCON 2019 and this was yet more.
They will return on Friday to face Senegal in a repeat of their group stages clash (which Algeria won 1-0).
Key Statistics
This was a fifth goal of the competition for the influential Mahrez.
This was Algeria’s seventh AFCON semi-final, their first since 2010, having qualified only twice in their previous six. Three of their AFCON semis had gone to penalties (winning once in 1980 and losing in 1984 and 1988).
This was Nigeria’s 14th AFCON semi-final, more than any other team. However, the Super Eagles have qualified for the final only once in their past six semi-finals. It was against Mali in 2013 (a 4-1 win).
Nigeria had won seven of those games.
Until this evening, Algeria’s last ‘actual’ victory over Nigeria was in March 1990 in the Africa Cup of Nations Final when a 38th-minute goal from Cherif Oudjani settled the contest and secured the silverware.
Overall, Nigeria have nine victories, Algeria eight and there have been three draws in their clashes – the first of which was back in 1973 at the African Games.
What’s next?
The SBOBET Africa Cup of Nations betting odds are so close so make sure you go our site to have a look.
It’s Senegal next in the final on Friday (July 19) to decide Africa’s finest.
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