2023 AFCON summary for January 20
Three matches were played on January 20, 2024 in the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. SportsRation presents summary of the games.
Algeria Secures 2-2 Draw with Burkina Faso in Late Drama
Algeria secured a 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash. Baghdad Bounedjah was the hero for Algeria by netting a stoppage-time equalizer, sparing the 2019 champions from a defeat and denying Burkina Faso an early progression to the next stage.
Bounedjah scored both goals for Algeria, with his second coming from a corner-kick in the dying moments of the match. This late equalizer ensured that Burkina Faso, despite leading twice in the game, settled for a draw.
Earlier, Bounedjah had scored in the second half for Algeria, cancelling out Burkina Faso’s lead in the first half. Mohamed Konaté and Bertrand Traoré were the scorers for Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso, who had two VAR decisions in their favor during the match, came close to securing a victory that would have guaranteed them a top-two finish in the group and a place in the last 16. However, Bounedjah’s late goal denied them that opportunity.
Burkina Faso remains at the top of Group D with four points, while Algeria has two points.
Angola Secures 3-2 Victory Over Mauritania in AFCON Clash
Angola emerged victorious in an entertaining Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against Mauritania, winning 3-2. Gelson Dala played a key role in Angola’s triumph, scoring two goals to help his team secure an important victory.
The match saw several twists and turns, providing fans with an exciting spectacle. Dala opened the scoring for Angola in the 30th minute when a loose ball found its way to him at a corner, and his acrobatic effort resulted in a goal.
Mauritania responded as Sidi Bouna Amar equalized with a skillful run through the Angola defense, finishing with a precise low shot. However, Dala wasn’t done yet, as he showcased his brilliance again in the second half with another impressive goal.
Angola extended their lead when Gilberto capitalized on a failure to clear the ball, and his shot deflected in off Mauritania’s Lamine Ba. Despite a goal from Aboubakary Koita for Mauritania, Angola held on to secure the 3-2 victory.
With this win, Angola moved to the top of Group D with four points, ahead of Burkina Faso on goals scored. A draw in their final group fixture against Burkina Faso would secure Angola a place in the knockout rounds. Algeria, the 2019 champions, sit on two points after consecutive draws, while Mauritania faces an uphill task to progress in the tournament.
Tunisia Earns First Point in AFCON 2023 with Draw Against Mali
Tunisia secured their first point of the tournament with a draw against Mali. The match ended with a 1-1 scoreline.
Tunisia’s midfielder, Hamza Rafia, scored the equalizer in the first half. He capitalized on Ali Abdi’s cross, and his shot found the back of the net via goalkeeper Djigui Diarra’s body.
Mali had taken the lead earlier in the game through Lassine Sinayoko’s drilled opener. Despite Tunisia’s response, Mali remains on the brink of reaching the last 16 in the tournament.
The second half saw both teams pushing for opportunities, with Mali’s Kamory Doumbia coming close to restoring the Eagles’ lead. However, his shot went narrowly wide.
The draw earned Tunisia their first point in the AFCON 2023, providing a positive outcome for the 2004 champions in the tournament.
