Algeria are through to the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations after edging Ivory Coast 4 – 3 on penalties in what was a dramatic day at the Suez Stadium.
That victory means the Desert Warriors will on Sunday square up against the Super Eagles.
Before kick-off, Algeria held the best record in this year’s Afcon finals. They had scored nine goals and conceded none in all their matches.
It was obvious from the start that the Ivorians were gunning to end that run.
The West Africans should have opened the scoring after a great team move saw them breach the Algerian defence but Kanon couldn’t find the back of the net from inside the six-yard box as he fired his attempt wide.
The Algerians then went straight down the other end to open the scoring.
Feghouli curled a beautiful left-footed attempt past Cote d’Ivoire goalkeeper Gbouhouo to make it 1-0.
Feghouli’s strike was Algeria’s 10th of this year’s Afcon.
The equalizer finally arrived deep into the second half.
Moments after Algeria’s Bounedjah missed a penalty, Cote d’Ivoire drew level.
Jonathan Kodjia got the better of Mboulhi in the Algerian goal to put an end to the Desert Warrior’s run of 450 minutes without conceding at this year’s tournament.
A string of missed chances from both teams ensured that nothing could separate the two sides even after extra time. Penalties followed.
Cote d’Ivoire captain Serey Die then fired the deciding kick against the upright to send Algeria through to the semi-finals where they will meet Nigeria.
