Former champions Algeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday after a 1-0 defeat to Mauritania, which is 75 locations decrease on the planet rankings.
Captain Mohamed Delllah Yaly scored after 37 minutes in Bouake for the Group D outsiders, who will fill one of many 4 locations reserved for the third-placed finishers within the mini-league stage.
Angola defeated Burkina Faso in the identical part 2-0 and topped the ultimate standings with seven factors. Burkina Faso (4) and Mauritania (three) additionally superior to the knockout section.
Algeria, champions in 1990 and 2019, got here to Ivory Coast as one of many favorites to win African soccer's showpiece occasion however left with out profitable a match.
After drawing towards Angola and Burkina Faso, they had been shocked by Mauritania, who had by no means gained a Cup of Nations match in eight earlier makes an attempt throughout three editions.
The winners had been consistently on the again foot, particularly within the closing phases, however confirmed defensive resilience to safe a well-known victory.
Former Manchester Metropolis winger Riyad Mahrez arrived in West Africa because the standout Algerian, however poor performances in his first two video games noticed him relegated to the bench for this match.
“The very fact is that these haven’t been his greatest video games towards Algeria, however don't kill him too shortly,” coach Djamel Belmadi pleaded earlier than dealing with Mauritania.
Mahrez's absence didn’t have an excessive amount of of an affect on the Desert Foxes for a lot of the primary half as they camped on Mauritanian territory to interrupt the impasse.
The Mauritania group and workers have a good time after profitable the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 Group D soccer match between Mauritania and Algeria at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on January 23, 2024. (Picture by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP – ALTERNATIVE CROP
– Wild events –
Houssem Aouar made a low cross midway via the half and his side-footed aim try went narrowly large.
In opposition to the run of play, Mauritania took the lead after 37 minutes, simply after goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea conceded a nook kick after utilizing his leg to dam Aboubakary Koita's shot.
Algeria did not clear the nook kick and when the ball returned to the realm, Iraq-based captain Dellah Yaly hit the ball into the web through a put up.
It wasn't the cleanest assault, however that didn't matter as wild celebrations erupted after the underdogs took the lead for the primary time in a Cup of Nations match.
Algeria responded by placing stress on the Mauritanian protection once more and Hicham Boudaoui was not removed from aim with a shot from simply exterior the field.
Belmadi turned to Mahrez, now within the profitable Saudi Professional League, at half-time, bringing him on instead of Aouar to face tall, well-organised opponents.
Koita squandered an opportunity to double the lead simply earlier than the hour mark, dribbling into the penalty space earlier than crossing to alleviate Mandrea.
Virtually instantly, Bodda Mouhsine was responsible of an equally wild end from shut vary after Koita's free-kick was deflected into his path.
On the different finish, a superbly weighted cross from Mahrez led to Boudaoui's header being beautifully turned over by goalkeeper Babacar Niasse, who later foiled Aissa Mandi from shut vary.
