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
-
Karaga MP donates 4,000 gallons of fuel to boost livelihoods in New Year outreach
2 hours -
GIPC CEO engages European Parliament delegation on Ghana’s investment reforms
2 hours -
BoG rejects market speculation, emphasises data-driven policies
3 hours -
BoG targets consolidation, discipline in 2026 policy direction
3 hours -
GJA-Ashanti commends EPA’s continuous engagement with journalists who were involved in accident
3 hours -
Wenchi needs development, help us – Chiefs to Aseidu Nketia
3 hours -
EPA boss encourages journalists not to relent in their support to fight galamsey
4 hours -
Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme helped Ghana’s economy during difficult period – IMF
4 hours -
Ike City Group of Companies touches hearts at Dzorwulu Special School with compasionate donation
4 hours -
Vehicle exhaust pipes on the left create about 40% more pollution on the road than those on the right – Study
4 hours -
My Response to Dr Bryan Acheampong: Facts must prevail
4 hours -
U.S. and Ghana Armed Forces strengthen medical readiness at SETAF-AF Best Medic Competition
5 hours -
Earlier passage of BoG’s Amendment Bill could have prevented haircuts – Dr. Asiama
6 hours -
Economic stability gains were hard-won through discipline and institutional effort – BoG Governor
6 hours -
GCB Bank rewards customers at first “Pa To Pa” Promo Draw
6 hours
