On Wednesday, the Africa Cup of Nations opened with two decisive victories that set the tone for the tournament. Algeria defeated Sudan 3-0 in Rabat, while defending champions Ivory Coast edged Mozambique 1-0 in Fez. The matches were highlighted by Zinedine Zidane’s presence in the stands, cheering on his son Luca, who guarded the Algerian goal.
Algeria’s 3-0 Rout of Sudan
Algeria’s 20-year-old striker Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring in the second minute, thanks to an unselfish pass from Hicham Boudaoui. The 20-year-old Ibrahim Maza then netted his first international goal in the 85th minute, completing a trio of goals that saw Algeria top Group E. “The most important thing was to start with a win,” Mahrez said after the game. “The last two AFCONs, we didn’t start good. Today, we really wanted to make it happen and we did.”
Luca Zidane, who chose to play for Algeria after receiving an invitation from the Fennec Foxes, benefited from an injury to Alexandre Oukidja, who might have otherwise started. The crowd in the sweet-smelling Moulay El Hassan Stadium cheered each time the former World-Cup winner appeared on the big screens. Luca’s presence added an emotional layer to an already thrilling match.
Algeria wasted little time, with Mahrez scoring again in the 61st minute from a brilliant cross by Mohammed Amoura. Baghdad Bounedjah headed the ball into Maza’s path, allowing the substitute to finish the scoring in the 85th. “I’m very happy,” Maza told The Associated Press. “My first goal in my first African Cup game, it couldn’t go any better for me, Alhamdulillah.”
The match was not without drama. Yaser Awad of Sudan was denied twice by goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who made crucial saves to keep the scoreline at 3-0. Salah Adil was sent off for a second yellow card on a foul against Rayan Aït-Nouri, just before the break when rain began to fall. Despite the setback, Algerian fans remained patient and supportive throughout the game.
Ivory Coast’s Narrow 1-0 Victory
In Fez, Amad Diallo struck a second-half goal that proved enough for Ivory Coast to beat Mozambique 1-0. The defending champions had won the title on home soil in the previous edition, and they were eager to replicate that success. Franck Kessie, the Elephants’ captain, headed the ball back to Diallo, who then struck it into the far corner shortly after the break.
Ivory Coast missed several chances to finish the game, including two good opportunities for Vakoun Bayo that were blocked late on. In stoppage time, Geny Catamo eluded three defenders before missing a powerful shot that was collected by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, safeguarding the win.
The rain-soaked atmosphere in Fez added to the intensity of the match. Despite the weather, the players maintained focus, and the final score reflected a hard-won victory for the defending champions.
Cameroon’s 1-0 Win Over Gabon
In the other Group F game, Cameroon’s five-time champion side secured a 1-0 victory over Gabon in the coastal city of Agadir. Etta Eyong’s early goal, which came through the goalkeeper’s legs, proved decisive. The win kept Cameroon in contention for the next round.
Drama in Casablanca
Burkina Faso’s match against 10-man Equatorial Guinea turned into a late thriller. Edmond Tapsoba completed a remarkable turnaround as Burkina Faso scored two goals in stoppage time to win 2-1. The Stallions had pushed hard for the opening goal after Basilio Ndong was sent off early in the second half for a bad challenge on Bertrand Traoré’s ankle.
Marvin Anieboh stunned the Stallions by launching himself at Carlos Akapo’s cross to score a looping header in the 85th minute. Georgi Minoungou equalized in the fifth minute of stoppage time, and Tapsoba headed the winner three minutes after that.
The late drama highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, with teams fighting hard even in the final minutes of play.
Key Takeaways
- Algeria tops Group E with a 3-0 win over Sudan, led by Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza.
- Ivory Coast secures a 1-0 victory over Mozambique, with Amad Diallo scoring the decisive goal.
- Cameroon and Burkina Faso also register wins, keeping the competition tight.
The opening day of the Africa Cup of Nations showcased the skill and determination of the continent’s top teams, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
