Côte d’Ivoire were stunned today when Algeria used an extra-time equalizer and an over-time goal to emerge from the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals at the Estádio Chimandela in Cabinda. The Elephants looked ready to advance when Kader Keïta scored an 89th minute goal to send the Ivorians ahead 2-1. But Madjid Bougherra was able to score just seconds later on a header from a nearly hopeless Nadir Belhadj cross to send the game to over-time. In the first extra period, Hameur Bouazza tallied the Desert Foxes’ third goal just two minutes in. The Algerians were saved by an incorrect offside call at the very end of the second over-time when Kolo Touré’s equalizer was called off.
Though there have been shocks throughout the tournament, this loss for Côte d’Ivoire is as big as any to this point. Algeria are clearly a competent side and did of course qualify for this summer’s World Cup. But the Ivorians were supposed to be supermen in this competition but time and again showed their lack of seriousness on the defensive side of the ball. As a result the Elephants will be rejoining their club teams much earlier than expected and Algeria will be facing either Cameroon or hated rivals Egypt in the semi-finals.
KitNerd 