Defending champions Algeria have suffered a shocking defeat to underdogs Equatorial Guinea in their second Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon on Sunday.
The likes of Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Galatasaray’s Sofiane Feghouli and West Ham’s Saïd Benrahma didn’t turn up for the party as the Desert Foxes suffered their first defeat since 2018.
Algeria have been unbeaten in 35 matches since October 2018 when they lost 1-0 during the AFCON qualifier.
Djamel Belmadi’s men came into the game with a point after a goalless opening game draw against Sierra Leone who forced Group E leaders Ivory Coast to a 2-2 draw earlier on Sunday.
However, it was Esteban Orozco Fernández Obiang Obono’s 70th minute winner that sealed the victory for the Nzalang Nacional.
Equatorial Guinea are now second on the log with three points after their first group game defeat to the Ivorians who have amassed four points after one draw and a win.
Algeria could suffer the same fate as France did at the 2002 World Cup after they were eliminated in the group stages.
Meanwhile, the defending champions have a shot at redemption when they face group leaders Ivory Coast for a make or mar clash on Thursday as Equatorial Guinea take on Sierra Leone.
