Nigeria's hopes of progressing to the final of AFCON 2019 has ended after a sensational free-kick by Riyad Mahrez clinched a late win for Algeria in Sunday's semifinal clash.

The keenly contested encounter at the Cairo International Stadium was angling towards extra-time with both teams being level after the 90th minute mark. Having taken the lead through an own-goal by Troost-Ekong in the 40th-minute, Algeria's lead was scrapped thanks to Odion Ighalo's 72nd-minute strike from the penalty spot.

There was very little action thereof although the Desert Foxes came close to stealing the win in the 92nd-minute but saw Bennacer's thundering shot rattle off the woodwork. Three minutes later, the North Africans were presented with a glorious opportunity which eventually determined the fate of Sunday's semifinal encounter.

A foul on Bennacer by Wilfred Ndidi went in favor of the Algerians and set-piece expert Riyad Mahrez made no error of the chance by curling the ball into the far left of Nigeria's goal.

"THE MINDBLOWING MAHREZ HAS DONE IT, ALGERIA ARE THROUGH!"

It's heartbreak for the #SuperEagles and jubilation for #LesFennecs as Riiyad Mahrez's 94th minute free-kick sends Algeria into the final of #AFCOn2019 pic.twitter.com/PaoRDDjCtc

— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) July 14, 2019

The win meant Algeria has finally ended a 27-year-old winless streak against the Super Eagles. The Desert Foxes will now battle Senegal in the Final of AFCON 2019 scheduled for July 19 at the Cairo International Stadium.