In a match that featured two of the most successful African national soccer teams over the last decade, Algeria slid past Nigeria 2-1 after their captain, Riyad Mahrez, scored the game-winning goal five minutes into second-half stoppage time.

The free-kick goal, which Mahrez launched off his left foot into the far corner of the net, sends Algeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 1990 — their only title in tournament history.

Nig

“It was a very, very tough game against a strong team,” said Mahrez, who plays for English champions Manchester City.

“We were 1-0 up, good in the game and this decision of the VAR, of the penalty… they scored and we have this free-kick and we scored, so we are very, very happy because to be in the final of AFCON is unbelievable.”

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The match seemed destined for extra-time before Mahrez struck the ball into the back of the net; ending the hopes and dreams of winning African footballs most prestigious tournament for the Nigerian players and fans.

The result will especially sting considering that after half-time, Nigeria was the better side of the two. Nigeria dominated possession in the second half, but could not make a breakthrough onto the scoreboard until VAR gave them a penalty in the final 20 minutes of the match. Odian Ighalo, a striker for the Nigerian national team and the Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, scored his fourth goal of the tournament in six matches when he buried a penalty in the 72nd minute to tie the match at 1-1 before Mahrez ultimately led Algeria to victory 23 minutes later.

Nigeria will take on Sadio Mane and Senegal in the final on Friday.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane will miss the final seven games of the season due to a knee injury, manager Jurgen Klopp said Friday.

Liverpool’s Sadio Mane Out For Season With Knee Injury

The Senegalese star, who will turn 25 on Monday, was carried off the turf at Anfield after he collided with Leighton Barnes in Liverpool’s 3-1 home victory over Everton on Saturday. Mane scored the opening goal of that game.

Klopp stated he was “pretty sure” Mane would require surgery on his knee, meaning it is pretty much impossible for him to play again this season.”

“That’s what I expected, actually, when I saw the video after the game,” Klopp said at a press conference on Wednesday. “I thought he was lucky in this situation that not more happened, but it will be pretty much impossible that he will play again this season.

“But then he’ll have a long break and be ready for next season, so that’s the only good news.”

Klopp added that Philippe Coutinho is questionable for Saturday’s trip to Stoke City due to an illness that led to his substitution against Bournemouth on Wednesday.

“Phil is still ill and was not at Melwood yesterday and he will not be here today,” Klopp said.

“He had a conversation with the doc and he feels much better, but it doesn’t look too good. We will have to see if we [can] bring him in tomorrow.

“We will give him all the time he needs, but it will be really close.”

Finally, the German manager added that midfielder Adam Lallana will be out for Saturday’s game at Stoke due to a thigh injury he suffered in March. Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has been out since February, will also miss that match.

Mane, who signed a five-year,£34 million ($42 million) deal with the Premier League club last June after playing with Southampton for two years, has started only five of Liverpool’s league games this season.

The Reds are third in the Premier League standings with 60 points, and hope to qualify for the Champions League. Chelsea and Tottenham are in first and second place, respectively.

Mane has been one of Liverpool’s top players this season. He has scored 13 goals in 29 appearances since transferring from Southampton.