Algeria achieved a hard fought victory over Dark Horses Cote D'Ivoire after 90 minutes and then an extra 15 minutes ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams failing to break the deadlock. The match went into a penalty shootout which was won by the Algerians.
The Ivoirians started the game with a fast pace, pressuring from the early game with Max Gardel’s shot that was barely saved by the Algerian goalkeeper before hitting the post.
Wilfried Zaha penetrated through the Algerian defense moments later and passed the ball through the lines but failed to find the scoring man.
The warriors of the desert rebounded 15 minutes into the game with a spot kick shot by Reyad Mehrez which narrowly missed the goal. Algeria scored the opening goal by Sofian Fegholy in the 20th minute after after making use of a cross placing it into goal.
Algerian star Youssef Attal was injured six minutes later, which required immediate medical attention and was later substituted in the 30th minute.
In the second half, Algeria won an early penalty in the 48th minute which was wasted by Baghdad Bo Nagah after hitting the post.
The Elephants scored the equalizing goal in the 62nd minute through Kodja after he dribbled past the defenses placing it into the far corner of the goal keeper. From then on both teams exchanged attacks on goal until the final whistle.
The extra time ended with no team able to break the 1-1 deadlock, as the match headed towards a penalty shootout. Algeria was the closest to score at extra time holding the pressure on the Elephants, but failed to forge their possession to a goal. The Ivorians were quick to counter attack but also failed to score.
The penalty shootout ended with a 4-3 victory in favor of the warriors of the desert.
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