Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone - AFCON Player Ratings

Let’s take a look at the Player Ratings from the AFCON match between Algeria and Sierra Leone at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.

Algeria began the defense of their Africa Cup of Nations crown with a goalless draw against minnows Sierra Leone in Japoma.

With a line-up containing Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, Algeria entered the Group E opener billed as heavy favorites against a Sierra Leone side making its first AFCON appearance since 1996.

But to their credit, the inexperienced underdogs held their own in a nerve-wracking first half. To be fair, they were probably unlucky to not have taken the lead. Had Kei Kamara, Mohamed Turay, and Umaru Bangura not fluffed their chances, this match could’ve had a very different outcome.

Instead, luck was on Algeria’s side. The reigning champions were lively right off the bat, but they lacked any cutting edge inside the box and were shabby in defense.

Djamel Belmadi’s men had another close shave only two minutes into the second half after a jubilant Alhaji Kamara’s goal for Sierra Leone was ruled out for offside.

Kamara’s seven saves win a brilliant point

7 – Mohamed Nbalie Kamara made seven saves against Algeria, the most by a goalkeeper without conceding at AFCON since Ovono for Equatorial Guinea against Congo DR in 2015. According to Opta's expected goals model, Kamara prevented 1.3 goals. Saviour. #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/q50NXtzD6C

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 11, 2022

Things, though, improved for Algeria as the game continued. While Yacine Brahimi messed up a great one-on-one opportunity with Sierra Leone keeper Mohamed Kamara to put the Dessert Warriors ahead, their overall play was better.

Mahrez picked out long balls perfectly to slip in chances for the likes of Slimani, Brahimi, and Feghouli. However, spurred on by the prospect of an upset, Sierra Leone held their own with a resilient Kamara keeping their foes at bay.

Despite the constant attacks on goal from their opponents, the West Africans claimed a deserved point. Their players couldn’t contain their emotions, celebrating at the final whistle like they’d won AFCON, in what was a huge and proud moment for the minnows.

A special shout-out had to go to Sierra Leone goalkeeper Kamara afterward for making seven critical saves in Cameroon.

As for Algeria, who next face Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, this was a disappointing start to their title defense. Mahrez and co will need to do better if they’re going to challenge for another AFCON crown.

Got to love this passion!! #TeamSierraLeone pic.twitter.com/ac1OLV9xl0

— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) January 11, 2022

Player Ratings

ALGERIA: M’bolhi (7); Attal (6), Mandi (6), Bedrane (5), Bensebaini (7); Belkebla (6); Mahrez (8), Feghouli (6), Brahimi (6), Belaili (7), Slimani (5).

Bench: Benlamri (6), Bounedjah (6), Bendebka (6), Boulaya (6), Benrahma (6).

SIERRA LEONE: M. Kamara (8); Kakay (6), Caulker (8), Bangura (7), Wright (7); Quee (7), J. Kamara (6); Bundi (7), K. Kamara (7), Buya Turay (6); A. Kamara (7).

Bench: Fofanah (6), Kaikai (6).

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