The defending champions have already failed in the group stage of the 2022 Africa Cup: Algeria lost their last group match against Côte d’Ivoire and have to travel home without a win.
The situation before Côte d’Ivoire’s clash with Algeria was clear: only a win would see Algeria through to the knockout stage, while a defeat and a draw would see the 2019 African champions packing their bags. For the Ivorians, who had already collected four points before the match, a draw would certainly be enough.
Both coaches made two changes from the second matchday: For the Ivorians, Leverkusen’s Kossounou and Gradel started for Bailly and Zaha. For Algeria, Zerrouki and Benrahma rotated into the starting eleven for Bendebka and Feghouli. The opening period was also evenly balanced, with a free-kick for Algeria that captain Mahrez fired into the Ivorian wall (3rd) being the only chance of note.
Algeria fail to hit the aluminium – Côte d’Ivoire strike twice
But then the game picked up pace. First Bennacer failed to hit the left post after a quickly taken corner (22nd). Almost in direct contrast, the Ivory Coast took the lead: Pepé and Kessie played a double double pass through the Algerian defence and Kessie completed the beautiful combination (22nd). As if that were not enough, the Ivorians added to their tally before the break: After a free kick by captain Aurier from the right flank, Ibrahim Sangaré was able to head in at the second post from close range (39). The 2-0 lead for Côte d’Ivoire also marked the end of the match.
The Algerians came out of the dressing room with veteran Slimani for Benrahma. But the game of the defending champions did not improve. The attacks were too ponderous, the “desert foxes” showed too little dynamism and consistency in the duels. The 54th minute was typical for this: In midfield, the Algerians let the more concentrated and aggressive Ivorians steal the ball from them. The ex-Frankfurt player Haller sent Pepé on his way. The Arsenal professional was allowed to march to the edge of the penalty area without making much contact with his opponent, where he created space for himself with a body-flick and scored dryly.
Mahrez hits the post, Bendebka shortens – Haller goal doesn’t count
This meant that the preliminary decision had been made. The Algerians could have created some tension just four minutes later when they were awarded a flattering penalty. Deli had allegedly fouled Belaili. Captain Mahrez took responsibility, also sending Ivorian keeper Badra Ali Sangaré into the wrong corner, but failed to hit the right post (61st).
