Slimani's Spot-Kick Helps Algeria Reach AFCON Final-Four

Internationals
11 Jul 2019
1 Minute
Islam Slimani netted a penalty for Algeria during their 4-3 shootout victory over Ivory Coast on Thursday - setting up an Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Final tie against Wilfred Ndidi's Nigeria.

- Islam Slimani helped Algeria reach the last-four of the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday
- The Desert Foxes drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast in normal time before a 4-3 win on penalties
- Slimani scored from the spot for his country during the shootout
- Algeria will now face Wilfred Ndidi's Nigeria in the semi-finals on Sunday

Leicester City forward Slimani was introduced with 12 minutes of normal time remaining, replacing Baghdad Bounedjah at Suez Sports Stadium in north-eastern Egypt.

Earlier on, Sofiane Feghouli put the Desert Foxes in front in the 20th minute, but Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia's 62nd-minute leveller made it 1-1 and ultimately took the tie to extra-time.

After a goalless additional 30 minutes, up stepped Slimani, 31, to take Algeria's second spot-kick, converting assuredly past goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo to make it 2-2 on penalties.

However, Wilfried Bony was to be denied from 12 yards for Ivory Coast and, despite Algeria's Youcef Belaïli hitting the post, Serey Dié's miss handed a shootout victory to Algeria. 

Two former Foxes - Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, one of Leicester's 2016 Premier League title winners, and Ivorian midfielder Max Gradel - also starred during the encounter. 

As a result, Slimani could line up against a City team-mate when Algeria tackle Nigeria in the last-four stage at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday 14 July (8pm BST kick-off).

Ndidi’s Super Eagles sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa to qualify for the semi-finals on Wednesday after already overcoming Burundi, Guinea and Cameroon.

Don't forget to check back to LCFC.com over the coming week for regular updates concerning Leicester City's AFCON contingent.