By Moses Adeyemi

Wilfred Bony scored twice to send his nation into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations following a 3-1 win over Algeria.

The New Manchester City man scored either side of El Arabi Hillel Soudani’s equaliser and Gervinho added a late third to send the 1992 African champions into the final four, where they will meet DR Congo.

Bony gave the Ivory Coast the lead midway through the first half with a well-taken header – the striker’s second goal against Algeria in as many games – but Renard’s men started the second half slowly and were made to pay when Soudani levelled in the 51st minute.

The agile new City player showed his quality by powering a header past Rais M’Bolhi with 23 minutes remaining to knock the wind out of Algeria’s sails.

Gervinho finalised the win with a third from 15 yards after Algeria had thrown men forward in search of an equaliser.

It was a deserved victory for the Ivory Coast over another of the pre-tournament favourites and Renard’s side remain on course for a third
final appearance in six editions of the tournament.

Ivory Coast absorbed today’s pressure and are now in the last four , they will face DR CONGO.