Ivory Coast Defeats Algeria 3–1 to Book Semi-Final Spot in 2015 AFCON
Ivory Coast has qualified for the semi-finals of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after a thrilling 3–1 victory over Algeria in the final quarter-final match. A brace from Wilfried Bony and a late goal from Gervinho sent the Elephants through in style, overcoming one of the tournament favorites.
🔥 Match Summary
⏱ 1st Half
The Ivorians opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Max Gradel delivered a brilliant cross from the right. Wilfried Bony, making a clever run, rose high to deliver a diving header past Rais M’Bolhi, putting Ivory Coast 1–0 up.
⏱ 2nd Half
Algeria responded early after the break. In the 51st minute, Riyad Mahrez exploited a defensive lapse on the left and sent in a dangerous cross. Eric Bailly failed to clear it, allowing Hilal Soudani to control and fire home a left-footed strike for the equalizer — 1–1.
The match then swung back in favor of the Elephants. In the 68th minute, Yaya Touré whipped in a precise free kick, which Bony met with another towering header for his second goal of the night — 2–1.
In stoppage time, Gervinho sealed the victory with a composed finish on a counter-attack, marking his return from suspension with a goal — 3–1 final score.
⭐ Key Performers
Wilfried Bony – Two goals, aerial dominance
Gervinho – Decisive return with a goal
Gbohouo – Crucial saves to deny Brahimi
⚔️ Next Match
Ivory Coast will now face the DR Congo in the semi-finals of the 2015 AFCON.
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