AFCON 2023: Algeria held to a draw by Angola
Algeria were held by Angola. After dominating the first half, the Fennecs conceded an equaliser and drew 1-1.
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After a chaotic AFCON 2021 in Cameroon that ended in a group-stage exit, Algeria are looking to make amends. Baghdad Bounedjah got that effort off to a good start against Angola. The striker put the Fennecs ahead in the 18th minute. Superbly played in behind with a lovely long ball, the number 9 let it bounce before firing past the Angolan goalkeeper with an outside-of-the-right-foot finish.
The Algerians dictated the tempo of the match, with Youcef Belaïli particularly lively. Bounedjah thought he had doubled the lead with a high-class acrobatic overhead kick, but it was ruled out for offside (25th). Commanding in their first match of this AFCON 2023, Algeria went into the dressing room with a one-goal lead.
#ToutPourLaCAN 🌍 : Bounedjah's magnificent outside-of-the-foot finish, set up in superb style by Belaïli 🤩
1-0 to Algeria against Angola! pic.twitter.com/kQS1HB8uHp
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) January 15, 2024
A hard-fought second half
After the break, though, the picture changed. Algeria were less enterprising, while Angola grew in confidence. The Palancas Negras duly equalised in the 68th minute. Mabululu scored a penalty won through a foul by Nabil Bentaleb. The Fennecs, unrecognisable, could no longer find a way through. Belmadi threw on his last reserves, including Houssem Aouar and Guitoun. But it was to no avail. The Fennecs did not create a single clear chance in the second half.
Angola thus take a valuable point at this AFCON 2023, with just one shot on target in the match. Algeria, for their part, must fear the ghosts of two years ago, with their 2nd game against Burkina Faso, the other favourites in this group and semi-finalists in Cameroon. The Stallions will have the chance to go top against Mauritania on Tuesday 16 January at 14 h GMT.
Also read: AFCON 2023-Cameroon: Benjamin Moukandjo's harsh words