Mauritania scored a huge upset at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) by beating the 2019 champions Algeria 1-0.
This win at the Stade de la Paix on Tuesday marked their first victory at the tournament and helped them move into the last 16 — and saw Algeria tumbling out of the competition.
Yali Dellahi’s goal in the first half was enough to defeat Algeria.
Algeria tried to change their luck by bringing captain Riyad Mahrez off the bench at halftime, but they couldn’t turn the game around.
Algeria have won the tournament twice but have now been knocked out early for the second time in a row under coach Djamel Belmadi.
In Group D, Angola secured the top spot with a 2-0 win against Burkina Faso. Mabululu scored with a header in the first half, and Zini added another goal in stoppage time.
Angola finished with seven points, while Burkina Faso ended in second place with four points.
Cameroon also made a stunning comeback in Group C, beating The Gambia 3-2. They were close to being eliminated but fought back in the last minutes of the game.
Christopher Wooh’s goal in stoppage time was crucial for Cameroon to finish second in the group behind Senegal. Both teams finished ahead of Guinea on goals scored, and The Gambia was eliminated after losing all three of their games.
In another match, Senegal defeated Guinea 2-0 with second-half goals from Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye. Senegal, the defending champions, are looking good after finishing the group stage with a perfect record of three wins.
Both Senegal and Cameroon advanced to the last 16, while Guinea also moved on as one of the best third-placed teams. Senegal’s coach Aliou Cissé was back on the sidelines after a brief stay in hospital.
Pictured above: Mauritania celebrating their victory.
Image source: X
