Defending champions, Algeria may not make it into the next round of the ongoing African Cup of Nations with only one point from two games made possible by a shocking 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
After an unconvincing display against Sierra Leone in their opener, the Desert Foxes went into the game hoping to grab all three points before the cracker against Cote D’Iviore on Thursday, but the clash with the Ivorians has now turned into a must-win match after today’s outcome.
Esteban Obiang struck 20 minutes from time at Stade omnisport de Douala to lift the National Thunder to second place in Group E.
Despite only enjoying 33 percent of the possession, Equatorial Guinea had the better first-half chances. Oscar Siafa drew a smart save out of Rais M’Bolhi, while Iban Salvador’s rasping long-range drive was just wide of the target.
Algeria had the ball in the net at the other end, but Baghdad Bounedjah was denied by the offside flag.
The Desert Warriors continued to dominate possession but were hit by a 70th-minute sucker punch as a low corner was flicked on by Josete Miranda, before Obiang applied the finishing touch at the far post.
Algeria pushed for the equalizer as the clock ticked down, but were unable to preserve their nine-match unbeaten run at the Africa Cup of Nations and are still seeking their first goal in this year’s event.
