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Algeria, Ghana book Afcon quarterfinal slot

Xinhua, January 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

Algeria and Ghana on Tuesday booked places to the quarterfinals of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Algeria, who are the best ranked African team by the latest FIFA rankings, beat Senegal 2-0 at the Malabo Stadium to finish top of Group D. After a defensive mix-up in the 11th minute, Riyad Mahrez beautifully finished off a long cross to give Algeria the lead.

The Desert Fennecs who reached the knock out stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil continued to put the Senegal team under pressure with Sofiane Feghouli and Nabil Bentaleb causing all sorts of problems.

Senegal resorted to high crosses which troubled the Algerian defenders, but Sadio Mane and Mame Biram Diouf failed to make them count.

Senegal coach Alain Giresse had to make a change in the 28th minute, bringing on Pape Souare for the injured Cheikh Sidy Mbengue.

In the second half, Senegal returned strongly but still failed to utilize their scoring opportunities. Bentaleb made it 2-0 after 82 minutes.

At the Mongomo Stadium, four-time Afcon winners Ghana fought from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1. Mandla Masango gave South Africa the lead in the 17th minute, but Ghana made it level in the 72nd minute through substitute John Boye. Andre Ayew headed in the second after 84 minutes.

Algeria will now face the second best team in Group D at the quarterfinal stage on February 1. The other quarterfinal will see Republic of Congo face Democratic Republic of Congo, while Tunisia battle hosts Equatorial Guinea. Endi