Algeria have been bundled out of the 2023 AFCON following a shock defeat to lowly-rated Mauritania. The African giants were tipped to carry the day in a must-win final group game against the Mauritanians.
They went into the game on the back of draws against Angola and Burkina Faso and were third in the group with 2 points. Regarded as the weeping boys of the Group, Mauritania suffered back-to-back defeats against Burkina Faso and Angola and were rightly not given a chance against the star-studded Algerian side.
It was a largely open game between the two sides but Algeria were on the ascendancy, wielding enough possession and making frantic attempts on the attack.
Coming under intense pressure, the Mauritanians sat back to torpedo Algeria's offensives while waiting to pounce on the counter.
It was still goalless after the half-hour mark. Algeria intensified pressure trying to break through a sturdy Mauritanian defense. Despite coming under incessant pressure, the Mauritanians were still at pace with their attacking drive. They were dangerous on counters and were looking set to exploit the gaping holes in Algerian defense each time the opponents pushed up on the attack.
In the 37th minute, the Mauritanians broke the deadlock against the run of play. Dellahi scored in the 37th minute to fire the Mauritanians into a shock lead.
The goal happened to make the difference as Algeria failed to find an equaliser despite taking on the opponents in countless offensives.
It turned out a nightmare for the African giants as Mauritania held on against all odds to preserve the narrow 1-0 lead and secure all three points after the final whistle. With the win, Mauritania could join Burkina Faso and Angola in the next round of the competition while Algeria crashes out of the tournament finishing bottom of the Group with 2 points.
In the other group match, Angola defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 to go top of Group D. Goals from Mabululu and a Zini saw the Angolans ease pass Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso have booked their place in round 16 as well despite the defeat as they finished second in the Group with 4 points, 3 points behind Group leaders Angola.
They went into the game on the back of draws against Angola and Burkina Faso and were third in the group with 2 points. Regarded as the weeping boys of the Group, Mauritania suffered back-to-back defeats against Burkina Faso and Angola and were rightly not given a chance against the star-studded Algerian side.
It was a largely open game between the two sides but Algeria were on the ascendancy, wielding enough possession and making frantic attempts on the attack.
Coming under intense pressure, the Mauritanians sat back to torpedo Algeria's offensives while waiting to pounce on the counter.
It was still goalless after the half-hour mark. Algeria intensified pressure trying to break through a sturdy Mauritanian defense. Despite coming under incessant pressure, the Mauritanians were still at pace with their attacking drive. They were dangerous on counters and were looking set to exploit the gaping holes in Algerian defense each time the opponents pushed up on the attack.
In the 37th minute, the Mauritanians broke the deadlock against the run of play. Dellahi scored in the 37th minute to fire the Mauritanians into a shock lead.
The goal happened to make the difference as Algeria failed to find an equaliser despite taking on the opponents in countless offensives.
It turned out a nightmare for the African giants as Mauritania held on against all odds to preserve the narrow 1-0 lead and secure all three points after the final whistle. With the win, Mauritania could join Burkina Faso and Angola in the next round of the competition while Algeria crashes out of the tournament finishing bottom of the Group with 2 points.
In the other group match, Angola defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 to go top of Group D. Goals from Mabululu and a Zini saw the Angolans ease pass Burkina Faso. Burkina Faso have booked their place in round 16 as well despite the defeat as they finished second in the Group with 4 points, 3 points behind Group leaders Angola.