Algeria reach WAFCON semifinals and World Cup
JOHANNESBURG: 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) semifinals and the World Cup. 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. 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 favor of the north Africans. Between the Algerian goals, Ivory Coast squandered a chance to regain the lead when Rebecca Elloh struck the post from a penalty. Algeria will face giant killers Malawi or Ghana, who meet on Sunday, in the WAFCON semifinals. The draw for the 32-nation World Cup in Brazil is set for next year. 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. After barely threatening to score during the first 45 minutes, Algeria took control after the break and created numerous chances. Later on Saturday, hosts Morocco face South Africa in the second quarter-final in Rabat.
