Algeria pegged back by Angola in AFCON opener

Baghdad Bounedjah got his side up and running with a well-taken goal on just 18 minutes but a 68th minute penalty from Mabululu ensured that both teams had to share the spoils at Stade Bouake.

The 2019 AFCON champions started this tie well and it was a superb Youcef Belaili delivery in behind the Angolan defence that allowed Bounedjah to score with a first-time finish.

Bounedjah thought he had added a second goal on 25 minutes but his spectacular overhead volley was denied by an offside flag.

Unable to build on their lead, some frustrations began to creep in for Algeria and they were ultimately guilty of conceding a penalty on 65 minutes.

Nabil Bentaleb fouled Mabululu in the box and striker smashed his penalty onto the underside of the bar and into the back of the net.

Angola were forced to hold on in the dying minutes as Algeria peppered their goal, but were ultimately succesful in stealing a point from one of the tournament hopefuls.

Algeria next face Burkina Faso on Saturday as Angola take on Mauritania on Tuesday.

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