Facing the Stallions, Riyad Mahrez once again led Algeria, Sunday December 28, in the group stage of the African Cup of Nations (CAN). In a balanced match – like the last three confrontations between the two teams, which ended in a draw – the Algerian captain converted a penalty obtained after a foul by Ismahila Ouédraogo on Rayan Aït-Nouri, who had rushed into the Burkinabe area (23e).
Despite this good start to the match, the Fennecs gradually lost possession of the ball. Clumsy for a long time, the Stallions initially lacked precision, before gradually approaching Luca Zidane’s cages. They even hit the post before half-time, with a helmet hit from Pierre-Landry Kaboré.
In the second half, the Algerians had several opportunities to double the score, but came up against a very good Hervé Koffi in the Burkinabe goals. With this second victory in two matches, Algeria is assured of seeing the round of 16 of the competition. For their part, the Stallions will have to be more skillful against Sudan on Wednesday to validate their ticket.
Cameroon takes on Ivory Coast
The Elephants, reigning champions, and in search of success to comfortably reach the round of 16, came up against a diligent Cameroonian selection (1-1), at the end of the second day of the group stage. Resolutely offensive, the Ivorians only saw their intensity pay off at the opening of the second half, with a powerful shot from Amad Diallo (51e).
Stung, and taking advantage of a relaxation from their opponents, the Indomitable Lions were quick to respond when Ghislain Konan diverted a shot from Junior Tchamadeu (56e). If the end of the meeting then offered a more disjointed spectacle, neither of the two teams managed to secure victory, leaving group F in a blur contained between Côte d’Ivoire (1re4 points), Cameroon (2e4 points) and Mozambique (3e3 points).
“We are disappointed, we had victory in handsummed up Amad Diallo, the man of the meeting, at the microphone of BeIN Sports. From now on we will focus on Gabon to get first place in the group. »
Historic victory for Mozambique, Gabon in danger
This edition of the African Cup of Nations is therefore that of the first victories. The day after Benin, Mozambique in turn signed, against Gabon (3-2), the first success in its history at the CAN. Qualified five times for this competition, the Mambas had never done better than a draw.
We had to wait until the end of the first period to see the situation unravel: Faizal Bangal opened the scoring for Mozambique with a header (1-0, 37e), then Geny Catamo made it worse on a penalty (2-0, 42e). Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, started while he was a substitute during the defeat against Cameroon (0-1) reduced the score, just before returning to the locker room (1-2, 45e). But this goal did not wake up the Panthers, very fragile defensively and not very present offensively. This defensive generosity led to the third goal of the Mambas, with a header from Diogo Calila (3-1 52e).
The second Gabonese goal, from a corner, from Alex Moucketou-Moussounda (3-2, 76e), certainly revived hope, but in vain. With two defeats in as many matches, Gabon finds itself in a very bad position before facing Ivory Coast on Wednesday, on the third and final day. Facing Cameroon, Mozambique will try to double the lead, to reach the round of 16.
Sudan, winner of Equatorial Guinea
Sudan created a surprise against Equatorial Guinea (1-0), four days after its heavy defeat against Algeria (0-3). The first period was marked more by stoppages in play, for fouls and injuries, than by major football actions. The two nations had an opportunity in the first quarter of an hour but did not materialize.
Returning from the locker room, both teams were more dangerous, forcing both goalkeepers to come out of their cages. But the fate of the meeting ultimately tilted in favor of Sudan. While Saul Coco wanted to divert the Sudanese free kick away from his cages, he sent the ball into his own net (1-0.74e). Despite increasingly numerous offensives at the end of the match, Equatorial Guinea did not manage to pick up the score.
But the fate of Pool E, also made up of Algeria and Burkina Faso, is not yet sealed. The Equatorial Guineans see the round of 16 slip away while the Sudanese can still hope for qualification.
