Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Algeria beat Senegal, Madagascar’s fairytale continues
Senegal 0-1 Algeria
(Belaili 49′)
In one of the most high-profile group stages of the tournament, Algeria proved the value of a team over talented inviduals as they saw off Senegal thanks to a Youcef Belaili strike.
Baghdad Bounedjah was first denied by a great Edouard Mendy save, and then later by a block in a first half that Algeria were mostly in control of.
The breakthrough they deserved came when Belaili fired home just inside the box after being found by a low cross from Sofiane Feghouli.
Despite their individual quality, Senegal struggled to get control as Algeria continued to look the more dangerous. Riyad Mahrez fired just wide as the game entered the final 20 minutes, but Algeria showed there is far more to this team than their captain. Algeria were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Mane went down in the box, but Zambian referee Janny Sikwaze waved play on.
Mbaye Diagne sent a header wide and Sadio Mane headed over a Senegal failed to do enough to get anything from the game.
Madagascar’s incredible tournament continued
Madagascar 1-0 Burundi
(Ilaimaharitra 76′)
In their first ever major tournament, Madagascar continue to defy the odds and enjoy the greatest period of football success in the country’s history.
Marco Ilaimaharitra’s powerful free kick inside the final 15 minutes gave Madagascar a win that leaves them with a real chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
After a thrilling and ultimately hugely surprising 2-2 draw against Guinea in their first game, Madagascar game out full of intent against Burundi. Two brilliant saves from goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana kept the scores level at the break though.
In the second half, it was Burundi who had the better chances but Melvin Adrien made two big saves of his own, one before and one directly after Ilaimaharitra drilled his free kick right on the edge of the box into the top corner.
Burundi pushed for an equalizer, but another incredible save by Adrien and a poor header from Christophe Nduwarugira proved that it was not going to be their day.
After Guinea’s loss to Nigeria yesterday, Madagascar now need just a point against group-leaders Nigeria to advance to the knockout rounds.
Michael Olunga’s first goal was a brilliant bicycle kick
Kenya 3-2 Tanzania
(Olunga 39′, 80′, Omolo 62′ – Msuva 6′, Samata 40′)
Kenya launched an impressive comeback to beat neighbors Tanzania in an entertaining game.
Simon Msuva put in a rebound after Mbwana Samata’s shot was spilled to give Tanzania an early lead that their play deserved.
Kenya battled back though, and after being denied by Aishi Manula and the crossbar, Michael Olunga scored a bicycle kick in the box after Manula spilled a cross.
Straight from the restart though, Tanzania went ahead again. Mbwana Samata tucked home after cutting in from the left to punish Patrick Musotsi for rashly rushing out of goal.
Olunga was superbly denied by Manula again before the break as the game stayed end-to end. After the hour mark, Johanna Omolo flicked in a near-post header to level the scores once more.
Manula then denied Kenya again as the game dared to repeat itself, but two minutes after Samata was denied by Matasi, Olunga fired in a low shot that went in off the near post. It was Olunga’s second and proved to be the match winner for Kenya, who now need to beat Senegal in their final group C to advance.
Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/africa-cup-of-nations-2019-algeria-beat-senegal-madagascar-s-fairytale-continues/a-49381257?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf