AFCON -Group B
Result: Algeria 2-2 Zimbabwe
Date: 15 January 2017
Venue: Stade de Franceville
Riyad Mahrez netted a brace as Algeria drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe in their opening Africa Cup of Nations encounter.
Zimbabwe were dealt a blow after 11 minutes when Knowledge Musona was forced with an injury. He was replaced by Matthew Rusike.
Minutes after Khama Billiat struck the woodwork, Algeria took the lead as Riyad Mahrez curled the ball into the far corner from inside the area.
Zimbabwe hit back in the 16th minute when Kuda Mahachi skipped past his marker, before firing home a low effort from just outside the box.
The Warriors were then awarded a penalty in the 29th minute when Onismor Bhasera was brought down. Nyasha Mushweki stepped up and scored from the spot.
There weren't many clear-cut chances for the rest of the opening stanza, as Zimbabwe went into the break leading Algeria.
Zimbabwe nearly added a third goal 10 minutes into the second half, but Mbolhi produced a stunning save to keep out Billiat's effort.
Algeria pushed for an equaliser and were nearly rewarded in the 72nd minute as Elisha Muroiwa almost deflected the ball into his own net but his clearance sailed over the crossbar.
The equaliser eventually arrived in the 85th minute, as Mahrez bagged his second goal with a strike from distance.
