Sports
AFCON 2021: Ivory Coast Send Careless Champions, Algeria Packing
By Eze Dike
AFCON defending champions, the Fennecs of Algeria were on Thursday sent out of the competition as their disappointing overall performance ended in defeat to Ivory Coast.
After a draw against Sierra Leone in their first group game, a shocking loss to Equatorial Guinea to follow, Algeria were faced with an uphill task as they needed all three points in their final group game to see them qualify for the knockouts. Indeed, it was going to be a difficult job for them as they came up against strong contenders for the title and group leaders Ivory Coast who had already secured qualification into the next round.
The Elephants started the game the better, as they were constantly seen on the front foot and creating the most chances. Ivory Coast played more like the team that needed three points to qualify, and that desire paid off for them in the 22nd minute when Nicolas Pepe pulled a pass back for Frank Kessié and the midfielder slotted the ball into the back of the net with a precise finish.
With half time beckoning, Algeria were punished yet again for their indolent display as they went two goals down via Ibrahim Sangare who was left unmarked in the box and his bullet header left the keeper with no chance.
After providing the assist for the first goal, Nicolas Pepe got his name on the score sheet in the 54th minute to put the Ivorians head over heels above their opponents. Six minutes later, Captain Riyad Mahrez stepped up to take the spot kick after a foul from the Ivory Coast defender, the Manchester City man struck the post with his effort and that miss from 12 yards out pretty much summed up Algeria’s woeful tournament.
With just one point from three group games, one goal scored and a total of four goals conceded, the reigning champions Algeria were finally eliminated by Ivory Coast in the group stage of AFCON 2021, a disastrous tournament for them and indeed one to forget.
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