Algeria booked their place in the semi-final after emerging 4-3 winners on penalties against Ivory Coast. Sofiane Feghouli’s 20th minute strike was cancelled out in the 62nd minute by Jonathan Kodjia after a dazzling run and well placed finish by the Ivorian. Kodjia’s strike came after Baghdad Bounedjah’s missed penalty kick in the 48th minute.
Both teams had great opportunities to take the lead but they were wasteful. Ramy Bensebaini, Islam Slimani, Andy Delort and Adam Ounas scored for Algeria whiles Youcef Belaili missed. Frank Kessie, Maxwell Cornet and Max-Alain Gradel scored for Ivory Coast whiles star man, Wilfred Bony and captain, Serey Die missed.
Below are seven things deduced from the game:
Sylvian Gbohouo, Immense!
Gbohouo put in a great performance as his series of impressive saves kept Ivory Coast in the game.
Kodjia Rises To The Occasion
It was always going to be a tough task stepping into the shoes of Didier Drogba……..but Kodija finally proved his critics wrong after his dazzling run and finish in the 62nd minute.
Feghouli Scores Again
Feghouli started the game as the only Algerian player to have scored against Ivory Coast…..and who says history doesn’t repeat itself? He scored again.
Algeria, Tactically Well Drilled
Algeria remains one of the few teams in the tournament with a great tactical approach to the game. They pass the ball quickly, aren’t short of ideas when they are attacking and effectively utilize wing play.
Alas, Algeria Concedes
Prior to this game Algeria hadn’t conceded a goal in the ongoing AFCON. However, their resolute defense was breached. So, Algeria has scored 10 goals and conceded 1…..Impessive!
Huge Relief For Bounedjah
His missed penalty in the 48th minute took a huge toll on him…..even when he was substituted. Only God knows what would have happened if Algeria had failed to qualify.
Algeria Finally Comes To The Party Since their 4th placed finish in the 2010 AFCON, Algeria hasn’t really made a statement. This time, they mean business as they have made it to the semi-finals for the first time since 2010.
Source: EonlineGH.com / Baiden Gideon
