Franck Kessié put in an all-action display for Ivory Coast as they defeated Algeria 3-1 to qualify for the Last 16 as group winners, and send the defending Champions packing from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Billed as a Group E decider before the tournament, the 25-year-old opened the scoring at the Japoma Stadium in Douala to make up for his penalty miss in the 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone as the Ivorians secured a massive scalp on Matchday 3.
The Milan midfielder finished off a well-worked team move to set the Elephants on their way to a magnificent win and was a constant thorn in the side of the Fennecs with his surging forward runs.
Franck Kessié with a BANG!
Name a better midfielder at #Afcon2021, we'll wait! #GOALAfrica pic.twitter.com/AoYsbICvOi
— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) January 20, 2022
Kessié was in direct midfield tussle with Milan teammate Ismael Bennacer and notably got the better of his close friend by winning the foul which resulted in the crucial second from a Serge Aurier freekick.
Algeria were three down before pulling back a mere consolation which proved their only goal at AFCON 2021 despite recording more possession, chances created and shots than any other team at the tournament.
#TeamAlgeria have been knocked out in the group stages at #AFCON2021 scoring just a single goal in their three games:
◉ 0-0 vs. Sierra Leone
◉ 0-1 vs. Equatorial Guinea
◉ 1-3 vs. Ivory CoastA disastrous tournament for the defending champions. ? pic.twitter.com/XKpD95I3g4
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 20, 2022
Napoli winger Adam Ounas joins Bennacer on the flight back to Italy after a horrendous title defence in Cameroon where Patrice Beaumelle’s side extinguished their campaign with a solitary point.
Algeria’s capitulation comes as a huge surprise particularly following their 2021 Arab Cup success where they strengthened an African record 35-match unbeaten streak. Their fate continues the infamous curse of reigning AFCON Champions as rivals will now look to stake their claim at the top of African football.
Nevertheless, Kessie has been one of the most impressive midfielders at AFCON 2021 with the familiar quality he produces for Milan on a weekly basis. He will look to keep up that reliable form to help in the Ivorians’ quest for a third African title.