Algeria pull rank to top Group C
January 27, 2015
Algeria showed glimpses of the form that almost halted Germany's march to the 2014 World Cup final in a 2-0 win on Tuesday that propelled it above Senegal and to the top of Group C. Senegal though created more chances at the Estadio De Malabo but could not convert its bulk of possession into goals.
In a refreshingly open first half, Algeria found itself defending for large periods on its own six-yard line and breaking at pace.
Against the run of play in the 13th minute, Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez coolly collected a cross-field free-kick from Madjid Bougherra and slid a low shot under Bouna Coundoul in the Senegal goal.
Senegal had started the day in poll position in Group C but found itself playing catch-up football. Southampton midfielder Sadio Mane weaved through the Algeria defense in the 21st minute but blazed his shot high over the bar from 10 meters as the Lions of Teranga sought a way back into the game.
Papy Djilobodji went close from a direct free kick and Idrissa Gueye saw his long-range effort saved by Rais M'Bolhi in the Algerian goal.
In the second half Senegal had already used all three substitutes and M'Bolhi had been booked for timewasting by the time Nabil Bentaleb drilled home a square ball from Sofiane Feghouli for 2-0 in the 82nd minute.
Algeria were pressured towards the end but kept a clean sheet for the first time in nine AFCON tournament games as it moved into the last eight of the competition.
"It was an excessively difficult game physically," said Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff afterwards."We needed lots of discipline tactically and our technique and speed on the break helped us win."
Late Ghana comeback denies Bafana
At the same time in the Estadio De Mongomo, South Africa was in need of nothing but a win to keep its 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive. It made the best possible start, with Mandla Masango striking a contender for the goal of the tournament in the 17th minute.
The Kaiser Chiefs midfielder latched onto a headed half-clearance from the Ghana back line and smashed a dipping 25-yard volley over Brimah Razak to put Bafana Bafana momentarily in dreamland.
It held the lead until the minute 73, when substitute John Boye levelled at 1-1 with a left-footed drive past Nhanhla Khuzwayo – in goal for South Africa in place of the dropped first-choice stopper, Darren Keet.
The equalizer on its own was not enough for Ghana and with ten minutes remaining it was also heading home, until André Ayew stepped up to nod the Black stars in front for the first time.
With all South African hopes shattered, the Ghana defense - including FC Augsburg player Abdul Rahman Baba – held firm for the win it needed to advance to the quarterfinals.
"We deserve it, we showed great character and fighting spirit," Ghana’s former Chelsea coach Avram Grant told Reuters afterwards.
South Africa exited the tournament with only one point to its name, despite having taken the lead in all three of its Group C games.
Quarterfinals moved
Earlier on Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football resolved to move the quarterfinal matches scheduled to be played in Mongomo and Ebebiyin respectively to the Equatorial Guinea capital, Malabo, and its largest city, Bata.
The decision was taken so that the host nation would face Tunisia in the country's biggest stadium in Bata, rather than at the 5,000-capacity venue in Ebebiyin.
The affected ties will also now kick-off half an hour later than planned on Saturday and Sunday, at 19:30 UTC.
pwh/al (AFP, Reuters)