Man City star Riyad Mahrez scores brilliant 95th-minute free-kick to send Algeria to Africa Cup of Nations final

RIYAD MAHREZ scored an incredible free-kick five minutes into injury time to send Algeria to the Africa Cup of Nations Final. The Manchester City star smashed a drive into the top corner to see his nation through to next Friday’s final against Senegal. Algeria led through an own-goal by William Troost-Ekong but were pegged back […]

RIYAD MAHREZ scored an incredible free-kick five minutes into injury time to send Algeria to the Africa Cup of Nations Final.

The Manchester City star smashed a drive into the top corner to see his nation through to next Friday’s final against Senegal.

EPA

Algeria led through an own-goal by William Troost-Ekong but were pegged back after Nigeria received a penalty for handball after a long VAR referral by the referee, who initially didn’t award the spot-kick.

Nigeria levelled at 1-1 from the spot through Odion Ighalo.

But Algeria captain Mahrez won the game at the very death to send his team to their first final in nearly 30-years.

Sadio Mane’s Senegal went through to the final earlier after beating Tunisia 1-0 in an extra-time thriller.

Senegal won with an own-goal in the 100th minute when goalkeeper Mouez Hassen pushed a free kick onto the head of defender Dylan Bronn and the ball bounced back into the Tunisian goal.

They have never won the African Cup, making just one final, in 2002 when the team also reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Current Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was a member of the 2002 team and he dropped to his knees with arms held aloft in celebration at the final whistle.

AFP or licensors

The Man City winger sent Algeria to the Africa Cup of Nations Final[/caption]

Reuters

Senegal and Sadio Mane will play Algeria and Mahrez for a first African Cup title on Friday[/caption]

AFP or licensors

AFP or licensors