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!"
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) July 14, 2019
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
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.
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