December 31, (THEWILL) — Algeria completed a flawless Group E campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-1 to maintain their 100 per cent record.
Manager Vladimir Petkovic made nine changes to his starting line-up, having already qualified for the last 16, yet his side’s superiority remained evident throughout the opening period.
The Desert Foxes took control early, breaking through in the 19th minute when Zineddine Belaid headed home Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner.
Fares Chaibi doubled the advantage six minutes later, collecting Ibrahim Maza’s pass inside the box before firing past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Maza added his name to the scoresheet shortly after the half-hour mark, converting another Hadj Moussa delivery to give Algeria a commanding three-goal cushion before the interval.
The relentless attacking display left Equatorial Guinea with little opportunity to respond during the first 45 minutes.
Captain Emilio Nsue offered his side brief hope five minutes into the second half, striking a superb effort into the top-left corner.
However, the goal proved nothing more than a consolation, with Algeria comfortably managing the remainder of the match after easing off the accelerator.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
