RIYAD MAHREZ rifled in a stoppage-time free-kick to earn Algeria a dramatic 2-1 victory over three-time champions Nigeria on Sunday 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 equalized with an Odion Ighalo penalty on 72 minutes awarded after a VAR review. However, as extra time looked necessary, Mahrez blasted in from 20 meters with the last kick of the match to send the Desert Foxes through to their first final since lifting the trophy for the only time in 1990. Algeria will take on Sadio Mane’s Senegal for the title July 19, in a repeat of a group stage clash they won 1-0. “We are very happy to be in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations because it is something very special,” said Mahrez. Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr conceded Algeria players were worthy winners after denying the Super Eagles the chance to compete in an eighth final. “I have to congratulate the players for a big fight against this very good team. They won it in the last minute and they deserved it,” said Rohr. “A wonderful free-kick made the difference.” An injury to Youcef Atal, who fractured his collarbone during the quarterfinal match, forced Djamel Belmadi to start Mehdi Zeffane at right-back, while Nigeria fielded the same team that overcame South Africa here. Algeria supporters filled most of the lower tier at one end of the ground, dwarfing a small section of Nigeria fans, but there were large swathes of empty seats at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium. Leading scorers in the tournament and considered the most impressive side, Algeria quickly asserted themselves as Ramy Bensebaini headed narrowly over before a wicked Youcef Belaili cross nearly lead to a goal for Baghdad Bounedjah. Hesitant defending from Kenneth Omeruo just outside his own area then allowed Bounedjah to nip in, but the Al-Sadd striker could only shoot tamely at Daniel Akpeyi. Seemingly having moved on from the penalty miss that reduced him to tears in the last round, Bounedjah was consistently proving a nuisance to a nervy Nigeria backline with Jamilu Collins relieved to see a toed clearance land on the roof of the net. (SD-Agencies) |