An extra-time goal from Hameur Bouazza gave Algeria a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast and a place in the African Cup of Nations semi final for the first time in 20 years.
Karim Matmour’s goal shortly before halftime cancelled out Salomon Kalou’s early opener for Ivory Coast.
Interview with Algerian Coach after the match:
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The Elephants looked to have secured a last-four berth when a bullet from Abdel Kader Keita, who was introduced in the second half instead of Kalou, found the top corner of the net one minute from time.
However, a header from central defender Madjid Bougherra in stoppage time cut short their celebrations and forced an extra-time.
Bouazza scored the decisive goal few minutes after he stepped onto the pitch to eliminate 2006 finalists and 2008 semi-finalists Ivory Coast.
Algeria, who will meet the winners of Monday’s quarter-final between defending champions Egypt and Cameroon, have not reached the semi final since winning their sole Nations Cup title in 1990.
Ivory Coast and Algeria will play in this year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.
