2016 African Player of the Year, Riyad Karim Mahrez netted two goals to help Algeria fight back to draw 2-2 against Zimbabwe on Sunday.
The Group B game was the third consecutive draw at 2017 Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) following earlier 1-1 draws in the opening two games on Saturday.
Algeria took the lead at the Stade de Renovation de Franceville through Mahrez who features for English Premier League champions Leicester City after 7 minutes. But Zimbabwe fought back to score two in the first half.
After Khama Billiat had hit the woodwork for Zimbabwe, Kudakwasehe Mahachi later made it count when he scored for to make it 1-1. He capitalised on a good pass from Knowledge Musona to slot a low ball past Algeria’s goalkeeper Adi-Rais Cobos Mbolhi after 17 minutes.
After 38 minutes Zimbabwe scored from the penalty spot to take a 2-1 lead at half time. Nyasha Liberty Mushekwi converted the penalty after Mokhatar Belkhither had fouled Khama Billiat in the box.
In the second half, Zimbabwe showed their hunger to win the game as they attacked in numbers. Billiat had his beautiful chance punched for a corner after 53 minutes. His effort was punched for a corner by the Algerian goalkeeper.
But Algeria continued to attack and benefited from the hard work with a second goal after 82 minutes. Mahrez made a good run from the centre and sent in a shot to make it 2-2.
The match watched by President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou and other top officials was however watched by a small crowd.