Leicester's Riyad Mahrez
scored twice as Algeria drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe in Africa Cup of Nations Group B
on Sunday. Mahrez, inspirational in Leicester's Premier League title success
last season, scored a late equaliser as Algeria earned a point in their first
match of the tournament in Gabon.
The Foxes
winger had put his side in front at Stade de Franceville, but goals from Kudakwashe Mahachi and Nyasha Mushekwi, with a penalty, saw
Zimbabwe lead from the 29th minute until eight minutes from time when Mahrez
found an equaliser. Mahrez shot from 25 yards and Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva should have done
better as the clash finished all-square.
Algeria, the
Desert Foxes, are seeking a first continental title since 1990, having failed
to deliver two years ago when favourites and the team which can boast the
talents of Mahrez and his Leicester team-mate Islam Slimani, Porto's Yacine
Brahimi and Nabil Bentaleb, on loan at Schalke from Tottenham, were expected to
sweep aside Zimbabwe. All seemed to be going according to plan when Mahrez
curled in left-footed from a tight angle.
Zimbabwe,
featuring in the tournament for the first time in 11 years and after an absence
of five editions, quickly responded and within five minutes they were level. Mahachi
struck from inside the box and then Zimbabwe went in front after Mokhtar Belkhiter was booked for
felling Hardlife Zvirekwi in the
box. Mushekwi converted from the spot. Mahrez's equaliser was somewhat
fortuitous. His shot from range went straight through Mukuruva.
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