Bounedjah rescues Algeria
Baghdad Bounedjah bagged a brace as two-time champions Algeria came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Burkina Faso on Saturday in an Africa Cup of Nations Group D thriller.
The Qatar-based forward, who struck the winner in the 2019 final against Senegal, cancelled goals by Mohamed Konate and Bertrand Traore before a 33,000 crowd in sweltering Bouake.
In the second match of a double-header, Angola edged Mauritania 3-2 in an equally entertaining clash to end a nine-match winless run from 2012. Later, a Group E clash of top 10-ranked teams Tunisia and Mali in Korhogo failed to match expectations and ended in a dour 1-1 draw.
Angola and Burkina Faso have four points each, Algeria two and Mauritania none in a section where all four teams are still in contention for last-16 places with one round remaining. Long-serving Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi, the mastermind behind the 2019 triumph, said he was satisfied with the draw in 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) heat.
"Burkina Faso dominated the first half but we came back strongly in the second and might have won as there were suspicions of a handball in the area. We had more of the scoring chances only to be let down by the lack of a killer instinct. I promise that there will be a much improved performance against Mauritania on Tuesday.
"Through suffering we have achieved previous successes against the odds. My players can take us far in this competition." Burkina Faso, who finished second, third and fourth in three of the last five editions, were praised by France-born coach Hubert Velud.
"It was a beautiful game and we performed well and were on the verge of winning when a lack of concentration led to us conceding a second goal. I was really impressed with our efficiency and the way the game plan was executed. We just need to work on a few minor details."