Mahrez Scores As Algeria Progress

Recalled to the starting XI for the Desert Warriors’ must-win group match against Senegal in Malabo, the Foxes star scored the opening goal in 2-0 win for the pre-tournament favourites, eliminating Senegal in the process.
Having started in Algeria’s opening group match, a 3-1 win over South Africa, Riyad was surprisingly left out of Christian Gourcuff’s side for Friday’s defeat to Ghana – a result that left Les Verts’ hopes of progressing beyond the group stage in the balance.
But with his nation needing a win over Senegal to guarantee qualification for the last eight, Mahrez delivered with an early goal that settled the nerves for the expectant Algerian fans. Seizing on some defensive hesitation to control a long pass from former Rangers player Madjid Bougherra, the Foxes wide-man slotted home confidently to edge his side in front.
Senegal, who topped Group C heading into the final group matches, failed to truly recover from that setback, but appeared to be stumbling into the quarter finals with Ghana trailing to South Africa.
A second for Algeria through Tottenham’s Nabil Bentaleb was of little significance, but two goals in 10 minutes from Ghana somehow lifted the Black Stars from the bottom of the group to the top, knocking Senegal out in dramatic circumstances.
Progressing as group runner-up, Algeria will now face a quarter final in Malabo on Sunday against the winner of Group D, where a fascinating conclusion lies in store.
Cameroon, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Mali all have identical records following the first two rounds of fixtures, leaving the final two quarter final places on a knife edge.
Stay logged on to lcfc.com for the latest on Riyad’s involvement in the competition.