AFCON: Mahrez’s Late Stunner Against Eagles Sends Algeria Into Final
A late Riyad Mahrez free-kick saw Algeria edge the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the second semi-final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Sunday.
It is the first time Algeria will qualify for the AFCON final since 1990, which they won on home soil by defeating Nigeria 1-0.
The Algerians, who had the better chances in the first half, deservedly took the lead on 40 minutes after Mahrez’s cross came off William Troost-Ekong.
The Eagles committed more bodies forward for the equaliser and were rewarded in the 72nd minute through Odion Ighalo, who converted from the penalty spot after Aissa Mandi stopped Oghenekaro Etebo’s shot with his arm.
Centre referee Papa Gassama awarded the penalty after consulting with the Video Assistance Referee (VAR).
With the game gradually heading towards extra-time, the Algerians poured forward and were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Eagles box in the 95th minute, following a foul by Wilfred Ndidi.
The resultant free-kick was well struck by Mahrez, which flew past the wall and into the back of the net to give Algeria a 2-1 won and a place into the final.
They will now meet Senegal in the final on Friday, July 19, while the Eagles will face Tunisia in the third-placed match on Wednesday.
In the first semi-final also played on Sunday, Senegal pipped Tunisia 1-0 after extra-time.
