Match day 2 of the 2017 Cup of Nation produce thrilling games among teams in group B.
The first match of the day saw minnows Zimbabwe hold a star-studded Algeria at the Stade de Franceville stadium.
African footballer of the year Riyad Mahrez curled in a shot to draw first blood 12 minutes into the game as Algeria looked on their way to an emphatic victory. But just five minutes later, Golden Arrows player Kudakwashe Mahachi pulled parity with a teasing shot to beat experienced Rais Mbolhi in goal.
Then things went from bad to worse for Algeria as they conceded a penalty few minutes later to Zimbabwe. Former player of Mamelodi Sundowns Nyasha Liberty Mushekwi converted from the spot to give them a 2-1 lead heading to the dressing room after the break.
The second saw an explosive start from the Algerians who came in all guns blazing for an equalizer. Mahrez came to the party once again with a shot from 25-yards out to pull parity as the Zimbabweans held on for a famous draw.
The second game saw the Teranga Lions of Senegal defeat 2004 AFCON winners Tunisia in another enthralling affair.
Senegal, who had not beaten Tunisia in seven Afcon matches since 1995 had the last laugh as goals from Sadio Mane and Kara Mbodji gave them a hard-fought 2-0 win.
Mane scored the first goal from the spot kick ten minutes into the game. Kara Mbodji clinically converted a corner kick on the 30th minutes to send the game beyond the Tunisians.
The Carthage Eagles came into the second half very strongly but were wasteful in front of goal – worst culprits being Ahmed Akaichi and Youssef Msakni.
After Senegal’s defense were clearly exploited by the Tunisians, they failed to score with the game ending 0-2.
Senegal leads the pack in group B followed by Algeria, Zimbabwe and Tunisia.
