Algeria started their AFCON title defense with a blemish, being held to a barren draw by the enterprising returnees Sierra Leone in Group E’s opener at Stade Omnisport de Doula.The Leone Stars were making a return to the premier continental competition after 26 years in the cold and were seeking to do so on a high, against the defending champions.The entire Sierra Leone side was on top of their game, remaining stubborn all through, but they will have Mohammed Kamara to thank for putting a man of the match performance and keeping star-studded Algeria at bayAlgeria had the first attempt at goal just three minutes in the game through Islam Slimani who had been played on by the captain Riyad Mahrez but he missed by inches to the right.Sierra Leone hit back immediately as Alhaji Kamara saw his shot also miss slightly on the right after connecting to a Mustapha Bundu cross.Algeria had much of the ball in the first half, but it was the Leone Stars who had much of the attempts, mostly hitting the North Africans on the counter.• HALF-TIME ⏸️#TeamAlgeria 0-0 #TeamSierraLeone Both teams reach the interval with zero goals scored ❌#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #ALGSLE pic.twitter.com/zc6rtCDc4n— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022 Mustapha Bundu was excellent on the crosses for Sierra Leone, being a constant threat every time there was a setpiece to float in or any time he was in a position to cross the ball.The reigning champions had been tipped to overshadow The Leone Stars completely but it was not the case in the first half as the John Keister charges remained stubborn, more so defensively, to head into the break level.On resumption, Djamel Belmadi was the first to make changes as Djamel Benlamri came on for Abdelkader Bedrane.Alhaji Kamara thought he had given Sierra Leone the lead shortly after the restart when he put the ball in the net but the flag went up and he was ruled offside, and the goal did not count.Moment’s later, Yacine Brahimi had his effort saved by the strong hands of Mohamed Kamara, who was also quick to react and pick the ball that came off his left hand awkwardly.Going for the kill, Algeria made three more changes just after the stroke of the hour mark as Sofiane Feghouli, Islam Slimani, and Yacine Brahimi all came off for Farid Boulaya, Baghdad Bounedjah, and Sofiane Bendebka.FULL TIME #TeamAlgeria 0-0 #TeamSierraLeone With a goalless draw, the points are shared 🤝#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #ALGSLE pic.twitter.com/KdO3uzPKYq— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022 Bendebka almost had an instant impact two minutes after coming on but his effort was blocked by Steven Caulker for a corner, with Kamara already sprawling to the ground.Sierra Leone were dealt a blow with 14 minutes left to play in regular time following the injury of Alhaji kamara, with his place being taken by Saidu Fofanah for their first change in the game.Algeria continued with their attacking momentum and Mahrez could have given his side the breakthrough with 9 minutes left but Mohammed Kamara tipped his effort out for a corner.Said Benrahma came on for the final seven minutes, replacing Haris Belkebla and had a chance to score but his half-volley went miles wide.In the end, both teams had to settle for just a point.
