It's a thunderclap in Cameroon.
After its surprise draw against Sierra Leone (0-0), Algeria lost against Equatorial Guinea (0-1) and ended its series of 35 games without defeat.
With one point in two games, the Fennecs are last in their group and will absolutely have to win against Côte d'Ivoire, hung by the Leone Stars (2-2), to qualify for the round of 16.
Algeria still silent in this CAN
When it doesn't want, it doesn't want.
Yet dominant in the game, Riyad Mahrez's teammates were unable to find the net against Equatorial Guinea (13 shots, 3 on target), like Youcef Belaïli, who missed his double chance in front of Owono ( 22nd) or Islam Slimani, who tripped over the carpet when finishing (83rd).
And obviously, Algeria was punished.
On a failed corner from Salvador, Miranda deflected the ball and Esteban Obiang aa appeared at the far post to score at close range (70th).
[⚽️ GOAL VIDEO] 🏆🌍 #CAN2021
🇩🇿🇬🇶 Huge sensation, with Equatorial Guinea opening the score against Algeria!
😱😱😱 Obiang Esteban, Spanish 4th division player, scored!https://t.co/AoXwQQ5Sn6
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 16, 2022
Touched but not sunk, Algeria then tried everything to get back into the game and exposed themselves to counter flashes from Equatorial Guinea, still disciplined and courageous defensively.
The title holders failed to score their first achievement in this CAN, despite two goals disallowed for offside (24th, 83rd).
With this defeat, they no longer have their destiny in their hands and seriously jeopardize their chance of qualification.