Football
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Ghana and Algeria qualify in dramatic African Nations Cup day

Algeria and Ghana book their places in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup with victories over Senegal and South Africa respectively.

Senegal began the day on top of the group but were outclassed by Algeria, but Ghana had to do it the hard way and came from behind to grab an 83rd minute winner that not only sent them through but also saw them top the group.

Ghana came back from the brink of elimination with two goals in the last 17 minutes to beat South Africa 2-1.

The four-time champions were heading for a rare early exit at the continental championship after Mandla Masango's spectacular volleyed goal for South Africa in the 17th minute.

But a desperate Ghana turned it around in the second half at Mongomo Stadium. Substitute John Boye scored from close range in the 73rd minute and Andre Ayew headed home 10 minutes later for the victory.

Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb were on the scoresheet as Algeria sealed their place by beating Senegal 2-0.

An early goal from Leicester forward Mahrez and a late second from Tottenham midfielder Bentaleb meant they secured a top-two finish.

Faouzi Ghoulam launched a long diagonal free-kick from the halfway line over the Senegal defence and Mahrez, having been allowed to run in behind completely unchecked, neatly brought the ball down and slotted it under keeper Bouna Coundoul.

Algeria got their crucial second goal eight minutes from time as Sofiane Feghouli picked up a loose ball before laying it across the edge of the area to Bentaleb, who took a touch before lashing a left-footed drive.

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