Day Two in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament pulled one of the surprises, so far, as minnows Zimbabwe held favourites Algeria to a 2-2 draw in Group B’s opener on Sunday.
Confederation of African Football’s best player Riyad Mahrez had opened the scores for the Desert Foxes but the Warriors drew level just five minutes later through Kudakwashe Mahachi.
A penalty to the South Africans saw them take a lead in 29th minute.
But, of course, the continent’s best player, Mahrez, proved why he bears that crown by saving a point for his nation under 10 minutes to the end of proceedings.
His opposite number at Senegal Sadio Mané also proved his worth in the second game of the day by opening the score for his side against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles.
The Teranga Lions, still chasing a maiden continental honour, doubled the lead before the break.
The Eagles, who have one title to their credit courtesy a host-and-win tourney in 2004, could not stop the Lions as the match ended 2-0, making the 2002 finalists the first nation to win at this year’s Afcon.
Monday will see Group C in action.
Champions Ivory Coast will face West African rivals Togo in the first game to be played at Stade d’OYem. That match will be the first to see a referee from the host nation, Eric Otogo-Castane, at the center of affairs.
Morocco, suspended from the previous tournament for giving up their hosting rights due to the Ebola scourge, will also return in a clash with DR Congo later in the day.
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