Algeria have kicked off the seventh edition of the African Nations Championship on a positive note after narrowly edging Libya 1-0 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday night. The Desert Foxes who double up as the host got the match winning goal through Aimen Mahiou who struck from the spot in the second half to settle the group A contest. The two countries are pooled in first group of the tournament alongside Ethiopia and Mozambique. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6947545##Algeria threw everything to the Libyan goal in the first half but the solid defense mounted by the latter thwarted all the attempts and thus, frustrated the host to a barren draw in the first half.Algeria who towards the first half looked to be running short of gas towards the half time had their efforts pay off just twelve minutes after restart as Mahiou broke the deadlock from the spot. Tusker defender Isaac Kipyegon and fourteen others suspended for alleged involvement in match fixingMahiou was brought down by the on rushing Libyan goalkeeper Muad Allafi who desperately tried to intercept a poor back pass and clear it to safety.However, he fouled Mahiou in the full glare of the South African referee to pointed to the spot, giving the host a free hit and the opportunity to grab the lead.Nzoia Sugar midfield dynamo Kevin Juma extends stay with the millersLibya who were lively especially in the final quarter of the game will rue lack of precision in the final third as the scores of chances created went begging. Following the result, Algeria will be hoping to beat Ethiopia on Tuesday and book a place in the knockout stages.Libya on the other hand will have to beat Mozambique if they are to keep their hopes of sailing to the second round alive.
