![\"zimbabwe-celebrate\"](\"http:\/\/citifmonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Zimbabwe-celebrate.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRiyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria left it late to earn a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n
The Leicester winger put his side ahead with a curling shot in off the post.<\/p>\n
But Kudakwashe Mahachi’s low shot into the corner and a Nyasha Mushekwi penalty made it 2-1 to Zimbabwe – a lead they held until the 82nd minute.<\/p>\n
Algeria hit the bar twice before Mahrez levelled with a speculative 25-yard shot that Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva should have saved.<\/p>\n
While Mukuruva may feel embarrassed at his error, Algeria just about managed to save their own blushes as they rescued a point from their Group B opener – a match they were very much expected to win.<\/p>\n
Zimbabwe, making their first appearance at the finals since 2006, will perhaps count themselves a little unlucky after playing some excellent football.<\/p>\n
Khama Billiat was superb for the Warriors and was only denied a spectacular 30-yard goal by an outstanding fingertip save from Algeria goalkeeper Rais Mbholi, who diverted the ball on to the post.<\/p>\n
Mbholi thwarted Billiat on more than that one occasion and also produced a brilliant save with his leg to keep out Cuthbert Malajila’s shot when the score was 2-1 to Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
But Algeria improved considerably after the interval and forced Zimbabwe back.<\/p>\n
They hit the woodwork twice, through a Ramy Bensebaini header and when Zimbabwe defender Elisha Muroiwa narrowly avoided an own goal when he sliced a clearance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Mahrez proved their saviour, even if it will not go down as the cleanest strike he has ever hit.<\/p>\n
And the Desert Foxes had chances to win the match, particularly when Mukuruva came flying out and left his goal wide open but Yacine Brahimi could not take advantage.<\/p>\n
The Warriors will take heart from their performance. They lost a key player in Knowledge Musona through injury after only 12 minutes and recovered from 1-0 down to cause Algeria a mighty scare.<\/p>\n
Mamelodi Sundowns’ star man Billiat was on top form and will cause any defence problems.<\/p>\n
The BBC and Confederation of African Footballer of the Year has got off to a terrific start, but some of Algeria’s other big names were not up to speed. Islam Slimani missed a great chance to score when he headed weakly and Brahimi can certainly produce more.<\/p>\n
But the Desert Foxes showed resilience – a necessary quality in tournament football.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
–<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria left it late to earn a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Leicester winger put his side ahead with a curling shot in off the post. But Kudakwashe Mahachi’s low shot into the corner and a Nyasha Mushekwi penalty made it 2-1 to Zimbabwe […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[142],"tags":[2497,3064,2748,3065,3066],"yoast_head":"\n