Tuesday’s African Cup of Nations 2021 Championship put us in Groups D and E with three matches spread over the day.
Algeria’s quest to retain its crown began early with a meeting with Sierra Leone before Nigeria against Egypt and Sudan against Guinea-Bissau to end the day.
So it sank.
Group E
Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone
Pre-tournament favorites Algeria had plenty of chances for the long-awaited victory, but a superb defense from Sierra Leone allowed the two sides to share the spoils.
Newcomer Steven Caulker defended Sierra Leone superbly, as did goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara, who frustrated Riyad Mahrez and Baghdad Bounedjah all afternoon.
Bounedjah could have won with a late header, but he didn’t. It was the first time in 36 times that Algeria had failed to score at least one goal.
Group D
Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
Mohamed Salah’s CAN debut ended in defeat, with Egypt losing 1-0 to Nigeria.
Leicester player Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal of the game with a knockout in the 30th minute.
Salah was completely isolated offensively, the Nigerian defenses kept him calm with ease. It was a true declaration of intent from the Super Eagles.
Sudan 0-0 Guinea-Bissau
The last match of the day could not be finished due to the lack of goals from CAN, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau found themselves without goals.
The first 45 minutes were bad enough, but the last ten came to life when Steve Ambri of Guinea-Bissau made a mistake inside the penalty area. Pelé rode (not this one) but his effort was saved.
The visiting team pushed hard for the goal at the end, but it didn’t go so well at the end.