AFCON: Mahrez’s 94th Minute Free-Kick Sends Nigeria Packing, Algeria To Face Senegal In Final

Nigerian Super Eagles lost to the Algerian side at the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt on Sunday.

The Super Eagles had defeated South Africa 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African Cup Of Nations (AFCON), to reach the semifinals where they lost to the Algerian side.

An own goal from Super Eagles, Troost-Ekong, the defender who scored the last-minute winner for his team in the quarter-finals, gave the lead to Algeria at half time.

https://twitter.com/TweetAtAustin/status/1150491968847433733

However, deep into the second half, a handball appeal by Super Eagles was reviewed by Video Assistant Referee, VAR after which the referee awarded a penalty to Nigeria.

The penalty was played by Odion Ighalo who calmly took the shot past the Algerian Keeper M’Bolhi.

And Ighalo equalizes for Nigeria!!! #ALGNGA pic.twitter.com/jZHvEpihiO

— Goalz (@Goalz8) July 14, 2019

The cookie finally crumbled for Nigeria when the referee blew for a free-kick at the last minute which was converted by Riyad Mahrez who struck home the goal.

"THE MINDBLOWING MAHREZ HAS DONE IT, ALGERIA ARE THROUGH!"

It's heartbreak for the #SuperEagles and jubilation for #LesFennecs as Riiyad Mahrez's 94th minute free-kick sends Algeria into the final of #AFCOn2019 pic.twitter.com/PaoRDDjCtc

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 14, 2019

Meanwhile, Senegal danced their way into the 2019 AFCON finals for the second time after beating Tunisia by an own goal late into extra time.

Although both sides had penalties opportunity they, however, both failed to hit the target and the game was forced to proceed to extra time where Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn’s own goal gave Senegal the ticket to the finals.

Watch the match highlights below:

https://youtu.be/y_JTshSk2z4