Algeria are back in business. After two group-stage eliminations at AFCON, the Algerians have secured qualification, while Group F remains wide open.
Group E: Algeria Qualified, Historic Sudan, Equatorial Guinea Eliminated
In Group E, the day began with a huge surprise. Despite the conflict in their country, Sudan decided to play this AFCON with the courage already shown against Algeria. Mentally strong and confident in their football, the Sudanese claimed victory and eliminated Equatorial Guinea, the competition’s surprise package.
In the other match, Algeria sealed qualification. In a choppy game with 44 fouls, physical battles outweighed quality football. But Algeria stood up to the challenge and won thanks to a Riyad Mahrez penalty, making him the tournament’s top scorer. With a bit more composure from the gem Ibrahim Maza (named Man of the Match), Algeria could have posted a much heavier score, which would have been deserved given how disappointing the Stallions were.
Group F: Ivory Coast and Cameroon Share the Spoils, Mozambique Rewarded
In the first match of the group, Gabon and Mozambique had to win. After their encouraging performance against defending champions Ivory Coast, Mozambique prevailed in a crazy 3–2 game. Bangal and Catamo, from the penalty spot, gave them a two-goal lead, but Gabon star Aubameyang pulled one back to keep hope alive. When Cabral scored for Mozambique, Moucketou-Moussonda responded to bring Gabon within one goal. Unfortunately for Gabon, they failed to win and were eliminated.
Because in the group’s other match, the clash between Cameroon and Ivory Coast ended in a draw, mathematically sealing Gabon’s elimination. In a high-intensity contest, Ivorians and Cameroonians went blow for blow. Ivory Coast opened the scoring through Amad Diallo, but Cameroon quickly equalized with an own goal from Ghislain Konan.