Mauritania Stuns Algeria, Cameroon Secures Late Victory: Afcon Roundup
Feb
In a surprising turn of events, Mauritania delivered another shock result in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating the 2019 champions, Algeria, with a 1-0 victory at the Stade de la Paix on Tuesday. Yali Dellahi’s first-half goal secured a historic place in the last 16 for Mauritania, marking their first-ever win at the continental finals.
Algeria, visibly different from their 2019 championship form, dropped captain Riyad Mahrez to the bench, and despite his second-half appearance, they couldn’t reverse their fortunes. Mauritania’s triumph ensures their place among the top four third-placed teams, earning them a spot in the knockout stage.
In other Group D action, Angola claimed the top spot with a 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Mabululu’s first-half header and Zini’s stoppage-time goal secured a seven-point finish for Angola, while Burkina Faso secured second place with four points.
Group C witnessed a thrilling encounter as Cameroon fought back with two late goals to defeat The Gambia 3-2. Christopher Wooh’s dramatic stoppage-time winner propelled the Indomitable Lions to the second spot in the group, narrowly advancing ahead of Guinea on goals scored. The Gambia, with three successive defeats, was eliminated.
Cameroon’s comeback involved relentless attacking and end-to-end action, with Wooh’s header sealing the stunning fightback in the first minute of stoppage time. This sets up a last-16 meeting between Cameroon and Nigeria in Abidjan on Saturday.
In Group C, defending champions Senegal secured a 2-0 victory over Guinea, with Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye scoring second-half goals. Senegal topped the group with nine points, followed by Cameroon on four. Guinea also advances as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Afcon continues to deliver unpredictability and excitement as teams battle for supremacy and a coveted spot in the knockout stage.
