AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Algeria and Tunisia secure last-Minute wins
On Thursday evening, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicked off with Algeria taking on Equatorial Guinea in Group E, while Tunisia welcomed Madagascar in a Group A encounter. Both matches delivered tense moments, with the winners decided in the closing stages of the games.
Algeria overcomes missed penalty to defeat Equatorial Guinea
Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez, making his return to international duty after a brief absence, was given the responsibility of leading his side. Despite a bright start, Mahrez missed a crucial penalty in the 25th minute, sending his effort wide and allowing Equatorial Guinea to hold the Fennecs at bay for most of the match.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Mahrez unleashed a powerful strike, only for goalkeeper Owono to parry the ball into the path of Houssem Aouar.
The midfielder reacted quickly with a diving header, giving Algeria a 1-0 lead. In the dying moments of the game, Amine Gouri doubled the advantage, sealing a 2-0 victory for Algeria.
The Fennecs now sit atop Group E, awaiting the outcome of Friday’s match between Togo and Liberia.
Tunisia Snatches late win over Madagascar
In another dramatic finish, Tunisia managed to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar. The Eagles of Carthage struggled to break down a resilient Madagascar defense, with the match looking destined for a goalless draw.
However, deep into stoppage time, Ferjani Sassi found the back of the net in the 98th minute, sparking celebrations among the Tunisian supporters.
With this victory, Tunisia climbs to the top of Group A, taking advantage of the draw between Comoros and Gambia earlier in the week.
Madagascar, on the other hand, sits at the bottom of the group heading into the second round of matches.
Both Algeria and Tunisia will look to build on their hard-fought victories as the qualifiers progress.
