Algeria has defeated Nigeria 2-1 to progress 2019 AFCON Finals on Sunday.
It was Riyad Mahrez who rifled in a stoppage-time free-kick to earn Algeria a dramatic victory over three-time champions Nigeria and set up a rematch with Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Algeria led through a first-half own goal by William Troost-Ekong before Nigeria equalised with an Odion Ighalo penalty awarded after a VAR review, but Mahrez blasted in from 20 yards with the last kick of the match to send the Desert Foxes through to their first final since lifting the trophy in 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.
JA
