The defending champion of the TotalEnergy African Cup of Nations, Algeria were held to a goalless draw by Sierra Leone in the group E opener of the ongoing championship in Cameroon.
The 2019 champions missed numerous goal-scoring opportunities leaving coach Djamel Belmadi’s side disappointed.
Sierra Leone, playing in its first AFCON since 1996 and only their third ever, managed to match the Algerians team which has gone unbeaten since 2018 boot for boot to send caution to it’s other group opponents.
Algeria had countless opportunities to win after Yacine Brahimi hit two shots straight at Kamara in quick succession at the start of the second half.
Substitute Sofiane Bendebka couldn’t get his effort on target with Kamara out of position after making a save while Riyad Mahrez was also denied when Kamara got his fingertips to a low shot that was destined for the bottom corner.
But Algeria found no way past 22 year old Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohammed Kamara, who celebrated the result of the Group E game at the Japoma Stadium in Douala as if it was a win.
He went on to win the Man of the match award following his brilliant performance on the afternoon.
With the results means Algeria has failed to score in a game for the first time in 35 matches.
