The Africa Cup of Nations witnessed a dramatic stalemate on Sunday as defending champions Ivory Coast were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Cameroon side in Marrakesh. A moment of individual brilliance from Manchester United's Amad Diallo was cancelled out just five minutes later by a cruel and freakish own goal, ensuring the Group F heavyweights shared the points.
Diallo's Delight and Deflation for Konan
After a goalless first half that saw both sides strike the woodwork, the deadlock was finally broken in spectacular fashion after 51 minutes. Amad Diallo latched onto a searching long ball, drove towards the edge of the penalty area, and unleashed a beautiful curling effort that nestled in the net to give the Elephants a deserved lead.
The Ivorian joy was painfully short-lived. Just five minutes later, Cameroon's Junior Tchamadeu saw his shot take a massive and unfortunate deflection off the leg of defender Ghislain Konan. The ball looped agonisingly over the stranded goalkeeper and into the net, handing the Indomitable Lions an equaliser against the run of play.
Woodwork Rattled in Tense First Half
The opening period had set the stage for a tight encounter. Konan had earlier been involved at the other end, his deep cross almost catching out Cameroon keeper Devis Epassy as it dropped onto the crossbar. Cameroon also threatened, with Christian Kofane hitting the frame of the goal and Bryan Mbeumo's vicious free-kick whistling just wide.
The result leaves both nations unbeaten in the tournament, each with four points from their opening two matches. The group remains finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures.
Historic Day for Mozambique in Group F
Elsewhere in the group, there was a historic result as Mozambique secured their first ever Africa Cup of Nations victory in a thrilling 3-2 win over Gabon. After losing their opener to Ivory Coast, Mozambique raced into a two-goal lead through Faizal Bangal and Geny Catamo's penalty.
Former Premier League star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back before half-time, but Diogo Calila's strike after the interval proved decisive. Alex Moucketou-Moussounda's late goal for Gabon set up a tense finish, but Mozambique held on for a landmark win at their 17th attempt in the competition.
Algeria March Into the Knockout Stages
In Group E, Algeria became the latest team to book their place in the last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Captain Riyad Mahrez was the hero once again, converting a first-half penalty for his third goal of the tournament after a foul on Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The win gives the Algerians a perfect six points from two games. Burkina Faso, who beat Equatorial Guinea in their first match, will now face Sudan to decide who joins them in the next round. Sudan kept their hopes alive earlier in the day with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, secured by an own goal from Saul Coco.
