Prime News Ghana

Algeria crash out of AFCON after 2-2 draw with Senegal

By Michael Abayateye
Islam Slimani scored twice but could not secure qualification for his side
Shares
facebook sharing button Share
twitter sharing button Tweet
email sharing button Email
sharethis sharing button Share

Already-qualified Senegal held Algeria to a 2-2 draw to deny north African giants the chance to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon on Monday.

Though Islam Slimani scored two goals on the night, it was not enough to get Algeria through as they were equalized by Senegal.

Algeria went into the tournament as one of the favourites for the trophy but leave with their reputation damaged by three underwhelming performances.

After being held to a shock draw by Zimbabwe in their opener and then beaten by neighbours Tunisia, who booked their quarter-finals with a 4-2 win over Zimbabwe on Monday, Algeria have had a tournament to forget.

Their misery was compounded at the last by the fact they were held by Senegal's second-string side, which featured 10 changes from their last game.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse had taken the opportunity to rest his first-choice players given the Teranga Lions had already won the group ahead of their final fixture.

And Cisse will be pleased by the resilience of his reserves who fought back to hold their own against a full-strength Algeria and ensure Senegal ended the group stage unbeaten.

Algeria might have signed off with a win but Slimani missed a chance to grab his hat-trick and a modicum of consolation when he shot wide when clean though.

Senegal will play Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Saturday. BBC

www.primenewsghana.com

Â