Afcon 2019: Mahrez secures first Afcon final for Algeria in 29 years
14th July 2019
The magical left foot of mercurial winger Riyad Mahrez was like a dagger through the hearts of Africa's most populous country.
As he bent a stupendoud free kick past the Nigerian wall and also past the despairing dive of goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to send Algeria through to their first final in 29 years.
It was a night full of drama and intrigue with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) playing a huge part in all this .
Riyad Mahrez's last minute goal in time added on handed the Carthage Eagles a 2-1 win into the final against Senegal when everyone thought the match was heading for extra time.
Algeria deservedly broke the deadlock late in the first half after Mahrez left Jamilu Collins for dead on the left wing before his cross ricocheted of an unwitting William Troost Ekong to hand the north Africans the initiative.
Nigeria pressed hard to try and secure an equalizer but it proved futile as the Algerians held on for into half time.
Nigeria equalised through Ighalo after Aissa Mandi was penalised, following a VAR review, for handling Oghenekero Etebo's shot.
That was just the second goal Algeria have conceded in the tournament, but they responded well, and Mahrez's late strike kept alive their hopes of a second Afcon title.
Algeria will meet Senegal at the Cairo International stadium on Friday 19th, July 2019 to determine the champions of Africa for next two years.