Defending African champions Algeria stormed to a 5-0 win against Zambia at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida on Thursday while Egypt was held to a draw by Kenya as the first round of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continued.
Ramy Bensebaini gave the Desert Foxes the lead just before halftime. Two goals from Baghdad Bounedjah and one each from Youcef Belaili and El Arbi Soudani after the break sealed a dominant performance with a win.
In Group G, Kahraba gave the Egyptians, who were without talisman Mohamed Salah, the lead just before halftime. Kenya’s Michael Olunga equalised for the Harambee Stars midway through the second half to ensure the points were shared in an evenly contested game. In the other group game, Comoros stunned Togo 1-0 in Lomé. Faiz Selemanie’s strike six minutes into the second half secured the win which sent the African island nation top of the group.
In Group F, goals in the first half from Telinho and Edson Mexer earned Mozambique a 2-0 home win over Rwanda. Mozambique tops the group ahead of Cameroon, Cape Verde and Rwanda respectively.
In Group D, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon drew 0-0 in Kinshasa. Gabon and Dr Congo lie 2nd and 3rd respectively behind Gambia and ahead of Angola following the West Africans 3-1 win against Angola.
Ghana is second in Group C behind Sudan following a 2-0 win at home to South Africa courtesy of goals from Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus.
In Group A, Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita and Sekou Conde netted as Guinea twice came from behind to draw 2-2 against Mali in Bamako. Adama Traore and Sekou Koita scored for Mali. Guinea and Mali trail leaders Namibia who beat Chad 2-1.
