Algeria faced disappointment in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Bouake.
Despite taking the lead through Baghdad Bounedjah, Angola managed to secure a point with a second-half equalizer from Mabululu. The Angolan striker converted the rebound after his penalty struck the bar in the Group D clash.
Algeria, aiming to avoid a repeat of their 2022 performance when they exited in the group stages as defending champions, started positively with Bounedjah’s clinical finish after 18 minutes. Although Bounedjah scored a spectacular overhead kick shortly afterward, the goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
The Algerians struggled to create further chances, and Angola, coming into the match with four consecutive goalless draws, drew level in the 65th minute. Mabululu was brought down in the box by Nabil Bentaleb and scored on the rebound after his initial penalty hit the bar.
Despite a late surge of pressure from Algeria, including Riyad Mahrez’s threat from set-plays, Angola, ranked 117th, held on for a point. The result continued Algeria’s recent struggles in the Africa Cup of Nations.