AFCON 2021 : Equatorial Guinea stun Algeria to end unbeaten run, Sierra Leone stage comeback to hold Cote d’Ivoire

Equatorial Guinea stunned defending Champions Algeria in a fascinating encounter on Sunday evening to put Group E in a tight state as title holders risk exiting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Nzalang Nacional caused a major upset at Douala Stadium as they recorded late 1 – 0 victory over defending champions Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations ending Algeria’s 35-game unbeaten streak.

Esteban Obiang’s goal in the remaining 20 minutes of the match was the only deciding factor between the two teams.

Algeria had two goals ruled out. Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez was too slow to get back into an onside position when the ball was played to him in the build-up to Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot halfway through the opening 45 minutes.

The second half saw a much more open contest with both teams playing with a bit higher. 

Youcef Belaili then thought he has scored a late equaliser for his team but was flagged offside in the 84th minute.

The victory hands Equatorial Guinea their first win of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 while Algeria have a solitary point after two matches, picking the last position in Group E.

Algeria will need to beat Ivory Coast in their final game of Group E if they are to be in with a chance of qualifying for the last 16.

Sierra Leone comeback to draw 2-2 against Cote D’Ivoire

In another Group E encounter, Sierra Leone caused another upset on Sunday as they fought back to hold favorites Ivory Coast 2-2 at Douala Stadium.

Sebastien Haller opened scoring for the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire in the early minutes to hand them the lead before Musa Kamara equalised.

Nicolas Pepe restored his team’s lead with 25 minutes remaining but Alhaji Kamara scored a second equaliser for Sierra Leone three minutes into added time to deny Ivory Coast all three points.

With just one minute of added time to the final whistle Cote d’Ivoire’s goalkeeper Sangare failed to get hold a back pass before Kamara made no mistake sliding it in the net. It was all celebrations for the Sierra Leone team after the final whistle.

Ivory Coast play Algeria on Thursday, January 20, at 4pm GMT. Sierra Leone take on Equatorial Guinea on the same day and at the same kick-off time.

Tunisia revive hopes, sends Mauritania home early

Tunisia revived their qualification hopes in TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Group F, beating Mauritania 4-0 in Limbe for Matchday 2 account.

Hamza Mathlouthi fired the Tunisians to an early lead in the 4th minute after he received Khazri pass.

The Carthage Eagles dominated the game led by Wahbi Khazri who produced a brilliant performance and scored a brace past Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Diop before Seifeddine Jaziri added a fourth just two minutes later with a chip over the goalkeeper.

Tunisia now have three points, one point less Gambia and Mali who have four points each.

Mauritania exits the tournament without a point.

The Scorpions strike late to draw Mali in Group F

Musa Barrow scored a late penalty to give The Gambia a deserved 1-1 draw against Mali in Group F of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 in Limbe Stadium.

Kone gave the Eagles the lead from a penalty 15 minutes from time after Ebou Adams was adjudged to have fouled a Malian attacker.

The Scorpions twice hit the Mali post from set piece through Ablie Jallow and Musa Barrow while goalkeeper Modou Jobe pulled a great save to deny Mali’s Adama Traore.

Musa Barrow then converted a 90th-minute penalty for Gambia to snatch a 1-1 draw against Mali.