Ivory Coast 2-3 Algeria
Algeria provided a cup upset
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 24, Jan 2010 10:08
By Darren Estwick.
Algeria caused a massive upset with a 3-2 win over Ivory Coast after extra time in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Ivory Coast looked to be heading for an underserved win when Keita smashed a long range effort into the top corner with one minute remaining, but an injury time equaliser from Bougherra and a winner by substitute Bouazza turned the game on its head.
Ivory Coast got off to the perfect start almost straight from kick off. A Yaya Toure shot was deflected, but found its way to Kalou who slotted into the net.
But the favourites struggled to build on the lead in a disappointing disjointed performance. Algeria however put up their best performance, merging a goal threat with a high intense work rate.
Algeria equalised just before half time however when a long ball was flicked goal wards by Bougherra before eventually falling to Matmour who turned away from the attentions of the Ivory Coast defence and struck a beautiful shot which found the net off the left hand post.
Missed chances apiece from Algeria's yebda and Ivory Coast's Gervinho before Keita seemingly won it for his country.
He picked up the ball 30 yards out, cut in from the left and unleashed a shot straight past the keeper for the goal of the tournament.
A minute later Algeria equalised when a cross from the left evaded everyone but Bougherra at the far post, who planted his header past the keeper.
The force was now with the un-fancied Algerians as they started the extra time period in the ascendency. Five minutes into the period they took the lead for the first time in the match.
Another cross once again was poorly defended by the Ivorians and Bouazzas stole in at the far post to win it.
The drama didn't end there. Algeria had several clear cut opportunities to kill the game before in the first minute of stoppage time Kolo Toure found himself free on the side of the area and he proceeded to fire the ball past the keeper and into the net.
The goal was disallowed for offside though replays showed that Toure was played on by at least two defenders.