Defending Champs Algeria Lose Against Equitorial Guinea

How Have the Mighty Fallen: Equatorial Guinea shock Reigning Champions Algeria

In one of the biggest-ever upsets at the Africa Cup of Nations, defending champions Algeria were defeated 1-0 by Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, with a defender who was playing in the fifth division in Spain last year scoring the goal that beat Riyad Mahrez and his superstar teammates.

In the 70th minute, Esteban Obiang appeared at the back post to connect with a corner for Equatorial Guinea’s winner, ending the African champion’s four-year unbeaten streak and leaving Cameroon’s championship defense in shambles.

In Douala’s Japoma Stadium, Algerian fans bowed their heads and sobbed.

In the final ten minutes, Algeria unleashed desperate attack after desperate attack on the Equatorial Guinea goal, but Mahrez and his squad were unable to get past 20-year-old goalie Jesus Owono.

Was Officiating the Problem for Algeria?

Algeria had two goals disallowed for offside, one in the first half and the other in the frenzied pursuit of an equalizer.

Algeria sits bottom of Group E going into a final group game against former champion Ivory Coast, after being held to a 0-0 draw by Sierra Leone in its opening encounter.

‘I am overjoyed with this victory over a wonderful and beautiful Algerian squad; it was not an easy match, but we were able to construct our victory,’ stated Equatorial Guinea coach Juan Obiang.

‘We have not yet qualified for the next round, and we will concentrate ourselves on the encounter against Sierra Leone tomorrow.’ The goal is to achieve excellent results.

‘This tonight, I’m thinking of all the Equatoguineans in Cameroon, as well as the people that support us and drive us ahead.’

‘It’s not the expected result, but we did everything, we had multiple chances, but the ball did not go in,’ Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi said.

‘We are in a failed position; it is a lean period.’ Football isn’t always about logic, but we’ll do everything we can to stay in this competition. It will be a tough match against a fantastic Côte d’Ivoire team comprised of players from the top divisions.’ In terms of the opponent, Equatorial Guinea, they defended with zeal and effort, and we couldn’t discover a flaw; it’s a failing situation.’

The 2022 AFCON Has Being Thrilled With Surprises

Algeria is bottom of Group E going into its last group game against former champion Ivory Coast, having been held to a 0-0 draw by Sierra Leone in its opening match.

After tiny Sierra Leone and Gambia drew tense draws, it appeared that the African Cup couldn’t possibly throw up any more surprises on Sunday.

Sierra Leone drew 2-2 with two-time champion Ivory Coast in the other Group E match after capitalizing on a dreadful goalie error deep in injury time.

With just one round of group games remaining, Gambia drew 1-1 with Mali after converting a 90th-minute penalty. This put the tournament debutant ahead of former champion Tunisia and Mali in Group F.

Both Gambia and Mali were granted penalties following VAR checks. Mali’s Ibrahima Kone scored in the 79th minute. Gambia, who had earlier struck the post and crossbar with free kicks, was able to rescue a point in the final minute thanks to Mussa Barrow.

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