AFCON: Difficult Times For Cameroon, Algeria As They Both Draw First Matches

By: Gyang Dakwo

Cameroon achieved a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Guinea just as Algeria were also held to a Ina all draw by Angola in their opening matches on Monday.

In the Group C encounter, the scoring opened in the 10th minute with a goal from Mohamed Bayo, who took advantage of defensive errors from Cameroon to put Guinea ahead 1-0 in the main stretch of the first half.

Later on, things got complicated for Guinea as, at 45+3’, the 27-year-old player, Francois Kamano, was sent off after a harsh tackle that the VAR deemed a red card.

In the second half, with an extra player on the field, Cameroon managed to level the match at 1-1 in the 51st minute with an outstanding header from Frank Magri, providing a breath of fresh air to his team and avoiding
defeat in the opening round of AFCON 2023.

Likewise former champions Algeria conceded a second-half penalty to allow unfancied Angola to force a 1-1 draw in the opening Group D clash.

The result means Algeria continued their winless streak at the finals since being crowned champions in 2019.

Baghdad Bounedjah put the Algerians ahead in the 19th minute with a well-taken goal but clumsy defending cost them when Nabil Bentaleb committed a foul and gave away a penalty which was converted by Angola substitute Mabululu in the 68th minute.

Algeria have now failed to win in four matches at the Cup of Nations finals since lifting the trophy in Cairo.