Senegal, in the semi-finals against Tunisia, struggled harder due to Tunisia's defensive style of play and almost got led by the Tunisians until Ferjani Sassi missed the penalty; Henri Saivet also failed to convert from the spot after his side got the same opportunity, but the Senegalese got a lucky own goal by Dylan Bronn to finally obtain another 1–0 win after 120' to march to the final for the second time, having done it so in 2002.

[16] Algeria continued its rampant performance with a 3–0 win over Guinea in the round of sixteen,[17] but struggled harder against Ivory Coast, being held 1–1 after 120' before overcame the Ivorians 4–3 in penalty shootout.

[18] The Algerians then put up an outstanding performance, beating African powerhouse Nigeria 2–1, with a late minute goal by Riyad Mahrez in a free kick spot to reach their first ever final since winning at home at 1990.

CAF staff later admitted they had mistaken referee to officiate the final, as they planned to call Sidi Alioum but later turned into Victor Gomes.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 2nd minute when Baghdad Bounedjah cut in from the left and shot with his right foot from just outside the penalty area with the ball taking a huge deflection off defender Salif Sané, looping over the goalkeeper and down into the right corner of the net.