Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria - 4 talking points 

#1 Riyad Mahrez finally shows his class

Mahrez shone through

Prior to the start of this tournament, Riyad Mahrez was profiled as one of the players to watch and if his country was to stand a chance of going all the way, then Mahrez would have a large role to play in it.

However, heading into the semifinal, the Algerian skipper had yet to truly show his class, which must have been worrying to his coach and teammates.

On his day, the 28-year-old is among the best players in the world capable of unlocking any defense on the planet and was voted as the 2016 PFA and CAF Player of the Year, hence there was always the possibility of him stepping to the plate at any time.

As it happened, the match against Nigeria proved to be when he struck, as Africa's most expensive player in history took the game on its head and had a huge hand in Algeria's progression to the final.

It was his wicked cross after some delightful footwork on the right that was deflected into the net by Troost-Ekong, while he also buried home the match-winner from a free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game.

Having taken so long to show his class, it turned out to be a case of better late than never for Mahrez and his country would be hoping he can once more come to the party against Senegal.