Sierra Leone was the lesser, but defended itself bravely and in the end even had the best chance for peace. In the end, the header went just over the wrong side of the post. After the break, the country even thought it would take the lead, but the goal was canceled due to offside.
Algeria then decided – without FC Twente midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki in the base – to step it up a notch. The tie was maintained with art and flying work. For example, with the keeper already out of position, a shot from close range by Sofiane Bendebka slid out of the goal mouth.
The pressure from Algeria remained great in the remainder of the match, but the liberating goal was not able to force the defending champion. Saïd Benrahma also encountered goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara in injury time.
Sierra Leone, for example, starts its first African Cup since 1996 with a stunt.
Nigeria beats Egypt
The tournament of Egypt and Mohamed Salah did not start as desired. The squatter against Nigeria ended in a 1-0 defeat.
The only goal of the game came after half an hour. Kelechi Iheanacho got the ball in front of his feet in the penalty area and was able to hit the ball fairly unhindered. He did this hard and effectively.
Egypt did not look good and created very little. For example, Sparta goalkeeper Maduka Okoye did not have to worry for a moment about the threat from Salah and his followers. Rather, it was a minor miracle that Nigeria won just 1-0.
By the way, Egypt should be considered able to qualify for the last sixteen. Sudan and Guinea-Bissau are the other opponents in the group.