Algeria’s hopes of a second Africa Cup of Nations title remain on course after they left it late to defeat Nigeria 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Riyad Mahrez’s brilliant free-kick flew into the top corner in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt.
The Desert Foxes had taken the lead shortly before the interval when William Troost-Ekong diverted a deflected cross by Mahrez into his own net.
That was how it stayed until 18 minutes from the end, striker Odion Ighalo firing home from the penalty spot.
Aissa Mandi had been judged to have handled Peter Etebo’s effort at goal following the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR).
However, Mahrez’s late winner sent Algeria through to face Senegal in the final at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday (July 17).
Senegal progressed courtesy of a 1-0 win secured by an own goal from Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn 10 minutes into extra time at 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Ferjan Sassi had earlier seen his first-half penalty saved by Senegal keeper Alfred Gomis.
Henri Saivet also failed to convert from the spot at the other end soon after, with Mouez Hassen equal to it.
Tunisia had a late penalty award overturned following a VAR review, before Hassen tipped Sadio Mané’s free-kick on to Bronn’s head and the ball ended up in the net.
