Algeria Stun Côte d'Ivoire to Reach CAN 2019 Semifinals

The Algerian national team, known as the Verts, secured a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout win over Côte d'Ivoire in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2019) on Wednesday. The match, played at a scorching hot venue, lived up to expectations, with both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities. Algeria, seeking their first semifinal berth since 2010, were considered one of the top teams in the tournament, having won all their previous matches.

Côte d'Ivoire started strongly, with Max Gradel curling a shot that Algerian goalkeeper M'Bolhi palmed onto the post in the sixth minute. The Elephants continued to press, but it was Algeria who took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute. Baghdad Bounedjah won a duel, leading to a loose ball that Ramy Bensebaini pounced on to deliver a perfect cross for Sofiane Feghouli to score.

The Ivorian team's frustration grew as they struggled to find an equalizer, and their discipline wavered, leading to a series of fouls and bookings. Just before halftime, Wilfried Zaha and Gradel combined, but M'Bolhi made a crucial save to deny the Ivorian threat. Algeria looked to extend their lead early in the second half, but Bounedjah's penalty kick sailed over the bar.

Côte d'Ivoire finally found the equalizer in the 62nd minute, courtesy of Jonathan Kodjia, who beat several Algerian defenders before slotting past M'Bolhi. The match then went into extra time, with both teams pushing for a winner but neither able to score. The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout to determine the semifinalist.

In the shootout, Ivorian players Wilfried Bony and Kessié, along with Algerian player Youcef Belaïli, failed to convert their penalties. Algeria goalkeeper M'Bolhi made a crucial save to deny Ivorian hopes, as Algeria emerged victorious, winning 4-3 in the shootout.

The Algerian team will now face Nigeria in the semifinals on Sunday at 8 pm local time at the Cairo Stadium. The Verts will look to continue their impressive run in the tournament and book a spot in the final. Their head coach, Djamel Belmadi, will be eager to inspire his team to another strong performance.

Algeria's win marked a significant milestone for the team, who have been impressive throughout the tournament. The team's resilience and determination were on full display as they fought to overcome a strong Ivorian side. The semifinal match against Nigeria promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams seeking to advance to the final.

Key points

• Algeria beat Côte d'Ivoire 4-3 in a penalty shootout to advance to the CAN 2019 semifinals.
• The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Jonathan Kodjia scoring a crucial equalizer for Côte d'Ivoire.
• Algeria will face Nigeria in the semifinals on Sunday at the Cairo Stadium.