Title holder and unbeaten for 34 games in all competitions, Algeria, the tournament's favorite, failed to force the lock against Sierra Leone (0-0), who had not played in CAN since 1996, and has won only one of their last thirteen games.
For their opening match at the Japoma Douala stadium in Cameroon, the Fennecs lacked punch and precision.
Like the opportunities of Bendebka (67th), Mahrez (81st), Benrahma (86th) and Bensebaini (90th +1), the African champions missed their target.
Above all, they came across an Imperial Guardian.
Mohamed Kamara has indeed shown himself to be impassable, author of magnificent parades and always well-felt outings.
Elected man of the match, the young goalkeeper received his trophy in tears.
🏆🌍 # CAN2021
🇩🇿🇸🇱 In tears, Mohamed Kamara receives the man of the match trophy! #ALGSIE pic.twitter.com/5bNgQI7y95
- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 11, 2022
His joy contrasts with the disappointment of the Algerians.
“I have a feeling of regret, loose Djamel Belmadi, the coach.
Today, we failed in our task, we did not do what was necessary.
Now we have to win all the matches.
"
🏆🌍 # CAN2021
🇩🇿🗨️ Djamel Belmadi: "Regrets. We did not know how to be realistic. Today we failed in our task" #ALGSIE pic.twitter.com/xvumxXPh4J
- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 11, 2022
Sierra Leone has therefore achieved a small feat and it is not undeserved because the Fennecs have suffered sometimes, especially in the first half.
Despite possession of the ball (69%) clearly to its advantage in the first act, Algeria had unleashed four strikes only, and again, without any danger, leaving the main opportunities to its opponent.
“We are the favorites, but we are never safe from a surprise, warned striker Sofiane Feghouli.
Today, we are the team to beat and we will try to continue that way.
The pressure is there all the time.
»Premonitory.
If there is no fire, it will nevertheless be necessary to recover in the next matches against Equatorial Guinea, Sunday then CĂ´te d'Ivoire.