WAFCON: Algeria beat Ivory Coast 2-1 to reach semi-finals, World Cup

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Algeria came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Casablanca on Saturday and reach for the first time the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals and the World Cup.

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Ines Konan put the Ivorians ahead on 29 minutes, but they were reduced to 10 players before half-time in the quarter-final when teenager N’Sira Ouedraogo was sent off.

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Algeria struck twice within six minutes just before and after the hour mark through substitute Ines Khiri and Amira Braham to turn the match in favour of the north Africans.

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Between the Algerian goals, Ivory Coast squandered a chance to regain the lead when Rebecca Elloh struck the post from a penalty.

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Algeria will face giant killers Malawi or Ghana, who meet on Sunday, in the WAFCON semi-finals. The draw for the 32-nation World Cup in Brazil is set for next year.

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The red-carding of 18-year-old Ouedraogo, for kicking Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi in the face, proved pivotal as her team lost the ascendancy they established during the opening half.

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After barely threatening to score during the first 45 minutes, Algeria took control after the break and created numerous chances.

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Later on Saturday, hosts Morocco face South Africa in the second quarter-final in Rabat. On Sunday, defending champions Nigeria meet Cameroon, then Ghana play Malawi.

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