Audio By Carbonatix
Algeria booked an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final with Nigeria after battling past Ivory Coast on penalties.
Sofiane Feghouli broke the deadlock in the first half for Algeria ahead after Baghdad Bounedjah squared it to the Galatasaray midfielder.
After the break, Bounedjah hit the bar from the spot after earning Algeria a penalty, and they were made to pay just after the hour-mark when the Ivory Coast equalised through Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia, who rode a tackle before firing a superb effort into the far corner.
The match ultimately went the distance, and after five perfect penalties, Wilfried Bony saw his penalty saved, and though Youcef Belaili could only hit the post with Algeria’s fifth penalty, Serey Die did likewise to send the Ivory Coast packing.
It was the Ivorians who started the brighter of the two teams, with Max Gradel rattling the post from distance and Jonathan Kodjia failing to apply the finish from close range after superb work from Wilfried Zaha on the right.
Algeria had already shown a threat, with Mahrez dragging a decent effort wide before they took the lead. Bagayoko rashly challenged Bounedjah and the loose ball fell to Bensebaini, who squared it to Feghouli to finish wonderfully.
The first five minutes of the second half saw plenty of drama. Firstly, Algeria missed a golden opportunity to double their lead, with Bounedjah missing a penalty he took after being cleaned out by Sylvain Gbohouo.
Seconds later, Kodjia's attempted pass across the Algerian box took a nick off Aissa Mandi and hit the bar. Eventually, Bounedjah's penalty miss proved costly, with Kodjia gathering a ball from Zaha brilliantly, skipping past his maker and driving the ball into the bottom corner.
That was enough to force extra time, which failed to separate the two teams. In the shoot-out, Raiss M'Bolhi saved Wilfried Bony's effort and although Youcef Belaili hit the post, a subsequent miss from Serey Die sent the Algerians through.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Queiroz admits feeling pressure ahead of World Cup
7 minutes -
ECG announces power outages across four regions on June 2
12 minutes -
Ghanaian activists petition AU to remove AfCFTA Secretary-General over SA xenophobia record
12 minutes -
‘I was surprised to hear that the anti-LGBTQ+ bill has been passed’ – Speaker Bagbin
14 minutes -
Democracy remains Ghana’s strategic asset – Mahama
22 minutes -
Djiku ruled out of World Cup as Lucasson earns Ghana call-up
27 minutes -
Anti-LGBTQ law still faces scrutiny before assent – Mahama
38 minutes -
Anti-gay bill still far from becoming law – Mahama flags quorum and procedural concerns
47 minutes -
Wontumi Trial: Former Western Regional Minister admits he did not witness key Samreboi deal
52 minutes -
No African country can navigate today’s global challenges in isolation – Mahama
60 minutes -
Photos: PSG fans celebrate as Asempa FM UCL Fun Day ends in exciting fashion
1 hour -
Ghana pursuing pragmatic foreign policy, not ideological alliances – Mahama
1 hour -
“Trials have tested me, NPP has trusted me, I am here to deliver” – Chairman Wontumi tells delegates
2 hours -
NHIS registers 1.48 million subscribers in Ashanti Region during King’s Month campaign
2 hours -
2 suspected robbers arrested in Upper West, stolen motorbike recovered
2 hours