Manchester City at the Africa Cup of Nations: Part 6

Algeria defeated Nigeria at the end of regulation to see the Desert Foxes make their way into the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Final.

The start of the match saw both sides trade possession as they looked to score the opening goal. Both teams would have a series of opportunities, but it was ultimately the Desert Foxes who would go ahead. At the 40 minute, Riyad Mahrez delivered a cross from the right side of the box and the ball would bounce off of Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, and the ball rolled into his own net. Algeria then sought to double their lead, but by the end of the first half the match ended 1-0.

Nigeria would be much more lively in the second half as they sought an equalising goal. Whilst Algeria maintained a composed defence, Nigeria eventually found their way back into the match. The Nigerians has an opportunity on goal and Algerian defender Aissa Mandi was deemed to have handled the ball in the box, which resulted in a Nigerian penalty. Odion Ighalo took the spot kicked and leveled the score.

What transpired was a series of nervy minutes and it seemed as if the match was headed toward extra time. Manchester City’s Mahrez, however, had other plans. In the 90+5 minute of stoppage time, Algeria were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Nigerian box. Mahrez stepped up and took the free kick, and his effort led to Algeria’s second goal in what was essentially the last kick of the game. The match then ended 2-1 in Algeria’s favour.

The result means Algeria will face Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations Final on Friday, 19 July. Their previous encounter was on Matchday 2 in Group C of this year’s tournament, where Algeria defeated Senegal 1-0.

Will Algeria repeat their victory over Senegal on Friday?