Algeria captain and Manchester City superstar Riyad Mahrez revealed his delight after helping his side reach the Africa Cup of Nations final with a stunning last-gasp free-kick against Nigeria.
The Desert Foxes captain ended the Super Eagles' dream of securing a fourth Afcon title in Egypt, netting his third goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game to book Algeria's spot in the final.
Riyad Mahrez wonder strike pic.twitter.com/exUUyhZdtr
— Steven (@SanPenguinYo) July 14, 2019
In addition to revealing his joy at helping his team progress to the final, the two-time Premier League winner also weighed in on the prospect of once again facing Sadio Mane's Senegal, after Algeria secured a 1-0 victory over Aliou Cisse's side in their second group game at the tournament.
"It was a very, very tough game against a strong team," Mahrez said after the match, as per The National.
"It was a very tough game today against a strong team. We were one goal up and were in control before VAR's decision – they scored the penalty and in the last minute we converted our free-kick.
"We are very happy because to be in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations is something unbelievable. I think we have been very good in this tournament. We scored 12 goals and conceded two, that is the source of our confidence.
"We are looking forward to the final against Senegal. We played them in the group stage and we are expecting another tough game."
Algeria are set for their first Afcon final since winning the title in 1990, and will clash with Senegal on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium, while Nigeria and Tunisia will do duty in the third place play-off on Wednesday night.