Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb send Algeria into quarterfinals

Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb were on the scoresheet as Algeria sealed their place in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after beating Senegal 2-0 in their decisive Group C clash in Malabo.

Algeria went into the final round of group matches lying in third place behind Senegal and Ghana, but an early goal from Leicester forward Mahrez and a late second from Tottenham midfielder Bentaleb meant they secured a top-two finish.

It is the first time since 2004 that Algeria have reached the last eight of the competition, but there was also heartbreak for Senegal as they were sent crashing out after Ghana scored twice late on to beat South Africa in the other match.

Knowing only a victory would guarantee them qualification, Algeria were quickly out of the blocks and should have taken the lead inside the opening two minutes following some terrible Senegal defending.

Papy Djilobodji's mis-control gifted Sofiane Feghouli a free run on goal but the defender's blushes were saved by his keeper Bouna Coundoul, who denied Feghouli as the Almeria forward attempted to round him.

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Algeria did not have to wait much longer to take the lead, though, and again the standard of Senegal defending left much to be desired.

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 Coundoul.

El Arbi Soudani had a chance to make it 2-0 but was denied by Coundoul, while at the other end Senegal had a penalty appeal turned down before Idrissa Gueye saw his speculative long-range shot spilled by Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi just on the stroke of half-time.

Fortunately for M'Bolhi, his team-mate Madjid Bougherra was able to smash the ball clear before any Senegal players could pounce on the mistake.

Algeria knew they needed a second goal to ease any concerns, and they very nearly got it in the 75th minute when Coundoul pushed out a cross to Saphir Taider inside the area.

However, Taider's shot was blocked on the line by Kara Mbodji and Senegal also escaped from the rebound.

Algeria would not be denied, though, and eight minutes from time they did get the crucial second goal.

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 past Coundoul.