Algeria crash out of AFCON without a win

Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani
Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani

Algeria have been eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a disappointing 2-2 stalemate with Senegal on Monday.

Islam Slimani twice gave the Desert Foxes the lead in Oyem but it was cancelled first by Papa Diop and later Moussa Sow to square the tie in a four goal-thriller.

Algeria, one of the pre-tournament favourites, have failed to live up to their expectations as they exit the tournament without a win and finish third in Group B.

Going into the match against the Terranga Lions, the North Africans needed a victory with the hope that the other tie between Tunisia and Zimbabwe will end in a draw.

However, it wasn’t to be as the Carthage Eagles ran riot against the Warriors in Libreville winning 4-2 in another thrilling encounter on the day.

Algeria’s misery was compounded at the last by the fact they were held by Senegal’s second-string side, which featured 10 changes from their last game.

What this means is that Georges Leekens’ star-studded team which parades the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Slimani have failed to end their country’s 27-year title drought.

Senegal, group toppers will play Cameroon in the quarter finals while Tunisia face off against Burkina Faso who topped Group A.