AFCON 2015: Algeria Striker Islam Slimani Ruled Out of Quarter-Final Against Ivory Coast
Algeria have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash with Ivory Coast, as star striker Islam Slimani has been ruled out through injury.
The Sporting Lisbon forward, who has been Algeria’s most consistent goal scorer over the past six years, is suffering from a thigh strain and will not recover in time for Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown in Malabo.
“He is recovering well, but it’s going to be a bit tight,” said head coach Christian Gourcuff during a press briefing. The Frenchman added that he remains hopeful Slimani could return for the semi-finals — should the Fennecs progress past the Elephants.
The 26-year-old missed Algeria’s final group match against Senegal, a 2-0 win that secured their passage to the knockout stage. Initially declared unavailable for up to five days, medical assessments now suggest he may need more time on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of Sunday’s fixture.
Slimani’s absence is a major setback for Gourcuff’s side, who will face one of the tournament favourites in Ivory Coast. The striker’s physical presence and clinical finishing have been crucial for Algeria, especially during their successful 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign and in recent qualifying matches.
Algeria will now look to other attacking options, such as Yacine Brahimi and Sofiane Feghouli, to lead the line in his absence. The squad will also hope that young forwards like Hilal Soudani can step up in what is expected to be a tightly contested quarter-final.
Ivory Coast, who qualified top of Group D after defeating Cameroon 1-0, will be boosted by the return of Gervinho from suspension, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between two of the continent’s most talented sides.
For Algeria, the focus will now be on adapting quickly without one of their key players, while hoping Slimani’s recovery continues ahead of a potential semi-final tie.
