BREAKING: Ivory Coast crush Algeria to send holders out of AFCON 2021

Defending champions Algeria have crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after losing 3-1 to Ivory Coast to finish bottom of Group E.

The Desert Foxes, who needed a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, could not deal with the Elephants’ physical nature and finish the tournament winless.

Patrice Beaumelle’s side, who were already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages, showed more attacking intent throughout and took the lead when Nicolas Pepe’s deft cross was volleyed in by AC Milan Franck Kessie from close range.

Serge Aurier was impressive with his crossing and he set up the second goal with a freekick which was headed in by an unmarked Ibrahim Sangare.

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Algeria brought on Islam Slimani at the break but it did not stem the tide and they found themselves 3-0 down when Arsenal forward Pepe bent the ball into the corner for his second goal in two games.

And their tournament was summed up after they were awarded a soft penalty but Riyad Mahrez hit the post with his spotkick.

Algeria got their first goal of the tournament with a Sofiane Bendebka header in the closing stages but it was not enough as Ivory Coast finish top of E to set up a clash with Egypt next Wednesday.