Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone: Riyad Mahrez and Co are frustrated by plucky minnows at AFCON
Algeria and Riyad Mahrez are held to stalemate by plucky Sierra Leone after Yacine Brahimi and Said Benrahma both miss huge chances… as minnows celebrate wildly after picking up a massive point at AFCON
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Algeria’s quest to recapture their AFCON title began with frustration in their opening game as a plucky Sierra Leone side held them to a 0-0 draw.
Riyad Mahrez and Co are one of the favourites to lift the trophy once again but they were left stunned by the Leone Stars, who were the better side in the first half and easily could have found themselves a couple of goals ahead with better finishing.
Alhaji Kamara and Kei Kamara were both guilty of some agonising missed chances to take a shock lead, while Mohamed Turay also went close.
Reigning AFCON champions Algeria were held by Sierre Leone 0-0 in their opening match
Underdogs Sierra Leone celebrated wildly at the final whistle after picking up an unlikely point
Algeria spurned a number of chances to go ahead in the second, with Baghdad Bounedjah lofting the ball over after being played in
This was Leone’s first appearance at AFCON since 1996, and were keen to make the most of their outing here – putting in blocks and defending stubbornly, while breaking quickly on the counter to give Algeria problems.
Algeria rallied in the second half and began to assert their dominance, but the team proved to be wasteful despite showing great invention from midfield. Yacine Brahimi was twice played through on goal and somehow failed to hit the back of the net despite finding himself 1v1.
Leone thought they had taken a shock lead after Alhaji Kamara pounced to prod home during a goalmouth scramble – wheeling away with a lion roaring celebration – but the offside flag cut the celebrations short.
West Ham’s Said Benrahma could have netted the winner after coming on but fired just wide
The presence of Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez (L) was unable to inspire Algeria
Sierra Leone keeper Mohamed Kamara lets out a roar with Steven Caulker at the final whistle
The African minnows are appearing at their first AFCON tournament since 1996
Mahrez was at his creative best to set up a host of chances and had an effort saved himself towards the end, with substitute Sofiane Bendebka seeing his shot thwarted.
West Ham midfielder Said Benrahma started on the bench but was subbed into the action late on – and could’ve nicked the result himself – smashing wide of the post after a dinked cross put the ball on a plate for him.
Sierre Leone held out for an incredible point and celebrated wildly at the full time whistle, while Algeria players dropped to the turf.
Relive all the action from the game as it happened with Sportsmail’s OLI GAMP.
