AFCON 2021 Recap: Defending Champions Crash Out As Gambia Hold Tunisia

AFCON 2021 Recap: Defending Champions Crash Out As Gambia Hold Tunisia Sampson Adedeji Drama continues in the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon as defending champions, Algeria crashed out of the competition, BSNsports.com.ng can report. Just before the final group match, Algeria were hoping to get the right result against Ivory Coast but it was never meant to be as they lost 3-1. The 2015 champions raced to a 2-goal lead just before halftime through Franckie Kessie and Sangare. Arsenal's winger, Pepe made it 3-0 in the 54th minute before Algeria was awarded a penalty which was missed by Riyad Mahrez. Bendebka reduced the deficit with a goal in the 73rd minute as the game ended in a defeat for the North Africans. In the second group game, Equatorial Guinea selead their place in the second round with a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone. Gabnet netted the only goal of the game in the 38th minute of the game, the Leone stars has the opportunity to level up in the 86th minute as they were given a penalty which was missed by Kei Kamara. In group F, Mali finished top of the group after they defeated Mauritania 2-0. Hamidou Haidara opened the scoring in the 2nd minute before Kone wrapped up the game in the 49th minute from the penalty spot. Scorpions of Gambia continue their impressive run in the competition as they defeated Tunisia 1-0 courtesy a late minutes goal from Ablie Jallow