Algeria and Ghana to clash in AFCON quarterfinal

Algeria's midfielder Nabil Bentaleb (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations group C football match between Senegal and Algeria

Malabo, Jan 28 (IANS) Algeria and Ghana will clash in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 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 Tuesday to finish top of Group D, reported Xinhua. 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 knockout 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 Feb 1. The other quarterfinal will see the Republic of Congo face Democratic Republic of Congo, while Tunisia battle hosts Equatorial Guinea.