Algeria, yet favorite in the competition, missed its entry into this CAN-2022, conceding a sad draw against Sierra Leone on Tuesday in the first match of Group E (0-0). The reigning champions couldn’t find their way to the goal.
Surprise at the African Cup of Nations (CAN)! Algeria did not know how to find the loophole, Tuesday, January 11, against Sierra Leone, for its entry into contention at CAN-2022. A draw (0-0) could complicate the rest of the competition for the reigning champions.
Of course, Algeria continues its impressive series of invincibility: now 35 consecutive matches that Djamel Belmadi’s men have not lost. However, the volcanic Algerian coach is not the man to be satisfied with this draw.
It must be said that from the first period, his players showed their fragility in defense. A hazardous transmission from Atal to M’Bohli almost took advantage of entry into Sierra Leone (2nd). Then, naive, Mandi lets himself be beaten at the penalty spot by Kamara, whose shot misses the target (8th).
On a free kick on the left side, it is then Bangura who comes to place his head but it passes next to the cages of M’Bohli (22nd).
Of course, the Algerians are not dominated, far from it. However, the biggest chances of the first half were to be credited to the Desert Warriors. For Algeria, the biggest thrill comes from a shot from Belaïli diverted on which the Fennecs claim a hand. But the VAR is not of this opinion (12th).
Kamara, a man of the match
In the second half, the Algerians fail to be cold-picked. Kamara is receiving a cross from the left. Left alone, he can control but under pressure from M’Bohli and Bensebaini, he snatched the ball into the goal. It is finally refused for offside (48th).
Then began a long siege on the Sierra Leonean goal. Belaïli, Mahrez , Bensebaini… All will come up against an impressive Mohamed Kamara. The Sierra Leonean goalkeeper pulls out the game of his life, imperial on his line and in his exits. A performance that earned him the title of man of the match, to his great emotion.
Algeria will be able to blame the state of the lawn, not very conducive to developing its game, or the high temperature, for this match played at 2 p.m. However, it has just dropped two points against an opponent who was only playing there his third CAN, his first since 1996. The Fennecs will already be under pressure for their second match against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, and the shock against the Coast. d’Ivoire which will conclude group E next week.
