Algeria 1-1 Angola: Mabululu salvage a point for Angola against two Champions

Algeria, the two-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, encountered disappointment in their initial match of the 2024 tournament. Despite a spirited comeback by Angola in the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw, the Desert Warriors' winless streak in AFCON since the 2019 final continues.

Algeria, boasting a formidable starting lineup comprised of stars from Europe's top five leagues, wasted no time in justifying their status as clear favorites in Bouaké. In less than 20 minutes, Baghdad Bounedjah expertly volleyed Youcef Belaili's perfectly placed pass over the opposition's goalkeeper with the outside of his boot, opening the scoring for Algeria in Group D.

Bounedjah, who had previously scored both the first and final goals in Algeria's triumphant 2019 AFCON campaign, came close to doubling his tally with a sensational overhead kick. However, his efforts were thwarted by the offside flag, much to the relief of Pedro Goncalves' Angola side.

Despite having less possession, Angola had their fair share of opportunities in the first half. Their best chance came when skipper Fredy missed the target on a breakaway. Nevertheless, Angola could take solace in the fact that they were still within striking distance of their more illustrious opponents at halftime.

The second half saw Angola adopt a more attacking style, which left them vulnerable at the back but also began to shift the momentum in their favor. Although Zito Luvumbo failed to fully capitalize on some silky forward play, the Sable Antelopes were eventually rewarded with a penalty kick when Mabululu was brought down in the area by Nabil Bentaleb.

Mabululu stepped up to take the penalty himself, smashing the ball off the underside of the crossbar and igniting hopes of a potential first AFCON victory since 2012 for Angola.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal, but it was Angola who emerged as the latest team to secure points against one of the tournament favorites. Algeria, determined to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 2021 campaign, where they only managed to earn a single point in their title defense, will be eager to maintain their unbeaten streak of 22 matches in normal time.

Angola still has a long journey ahead, but securing a point against the favored team in their group will boost their aspirations of replicating their previous achievements of reaching the AFCON quarter-finals in 2008 and 2010.