Egypt 2019 champions, Algeria crashed out of the group stage of the Africa Cup for the second consecutive edition after losing 1-0 to Mauritania, which for the first time in its history will play in the round of 16 after sealing its qualification this Tuesday along with Angola and Burkina Faso.
The two previous draws by the team led by Djamel Belmadi have left many doubts in a team that has won two African Cups. They could not beat Angola (1-1) and miraculously survived against Burkina Faso (2-2) thanks to a goal in the 95th minute from Baghdad Bounedjah. The alarm lights went on and Mauritania, who seemed to be the easiest opponent, confirmed Algeria’s bad feelings.
The goal that eliminated Algeria
A goal from Yali Dellahi was enough for Mauritania in the first half to add the three points they needed to reach the round of 16. The Al-Hudod defender collected a rebound in the penalty spot after a corner and scored the only goal of the match.
The aura of the champion generation in 2019 with Belmadi in front He finally said goodbye. Only five members of the Algerian squad survived from that great victory in Egypt: Raïs M’Bolhi (Belouizdad), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund), Sofiane Feghouli (Karagumruk), Ismaël Bennacer (Milan) and its leading figure Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).
Mahrez and Bensebaini were criticized, substitutes
No one was a starter. Even Mahrez and Bensebaïni, was criticized after playing the first two games. The former jumped onto the pitch after the break to try unsuccessfully to sort out a mess that had smacked of a disaster that could have been bigger. if the crossbar had not deflected a shot from Pape Ibnou Ba when the game dies.
And if Algeria is the big disappointment of group D and Mauritania the big surprise, Angola scored a goal after reaching the round of 16 for the third time in its history. He already achieved this in the 2008 and 2010 editions and, with the Mabululu and Zini goals They beat Burkina Faso 2-0 in a direct battle for group leadership.
Angola decided on its blow
The Al Ittihad striker struck first, hitting the mark at the end of the first half with a precise header after a free kick taken by Fredy from the right wing. Angola took their best shot and resisted Burkina Faso’s attacks in the second half which almost yielded results. in the team led by Hubert Velud.
Especially at the end of Dango Ouattaram which was met by a saving hand from goalkeeper Neblu which allowed his team to reach the end with an advantage of Zini increased in discount and that helped Angola to overcome the group stage of the Africa Cup.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
