Algeria has qualified for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

 

It was the Ivorian’s who looked dominant in the opening minutes, as Rais M’Bolhi produced a brilliant save to push Max Gradel’s curling effort onto the post.

 

However, it was Algeria who broke the deadlock, scoring their 10^th goal in the competition, as winger Sofiane Feghouli tapped home from a Ramy Bensebaini cross.

 

Baghdad Bounedjah, who played a part in the goal, was unable to double the Desert Foxes lead just minutes into the second half as he clattered the crossbar from the spot kick, which he earned after being fouled by keeper Sylvain Gbohouo.

 

Ivory Coast took the game to extra time after Wilfred Zaha found Jonathan Kodjia, the forward’s low finish was the first to beat M’Bolhi at this year’s competition.

 

Extra time saw a couple of chances, notably Islam Slimani’s headed effort which was saved by Gbohouo.

 

But, with both set of players looking fatigued in the hot temperatures of Suez, the game ended up being decided in a penalty shootout.

 

Star players Zaha and Riyad Mahrez were replaced by the end of the 120 minutes and did not take part in the penalty shootout.

 

Wilfried Bony was the first to see his penalty saved by M’bolhi and Youcef Belaili was unable to score the winning penalty after his effort bounced off the post, but it was the next kick which decided the winner as Serey Die also hit the post, earning Algeria the victory.

 

Algeria, who are seeking a first AFCON since 1990, will face  Nigeria in Cairo on Sunday 20:00 GMT+1.

 

 

Algeria XI: M’bolhi, Atal (30’ Zeffane), Mandi, Benlamri, Bensebaini, Guédioura, Mahrez (86’ Ounas), Feghouli (120’ Delort), Bennacer, Belaïli, Bounedjah (78’ Slimani)

 

Subs: Doukha, Tahrat, Halliche, Oukidja,  Abeid, Boudaoui , Brahimi, Fares

 

Ivory Coast: Gbohouo, Bagayoko, Traore, Kanon (54’ Comara), Coulibaly, Serey Sie, Kessie, Sangare (78’ Gbamin), Gradel, Kodija (96’ Bony), Zaha (94’ Cornet)

 

Subs: Tape, Doumbia, Angban, Serri, Assale, Aurier, Pepe, Ali Sangare

 

Match Highlights: