Riyad Mahrez scored twice but Algeria had to settle for a 2-2 draw with rank outsiders Zimbabwe as their Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a slow start in Franceville on Sunday.   Algeria thus avoided an embarrassing defeat to Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener.

Zimbabwe were on course for a famous victory after coming from a goal down to lead 2-1, but Leicester City star Mahrez showed his quality with goals at either end of a rip-roaring contest. The game’s goals were scored by Riyad Mahrez (13', 82') for Algeria, while those of Zimbabwe were scored by Mahachi (17') and Mushekwi (29' on penalty).

Newly-crowed African player of the year Mahrez gave Algeria an early lead in the Group B match but Kudakwashe Mahachi quickly equalised and a penalty before the half-hour mark scored by Nyasha Mushekwi had the Warriors in front.

In an action-filled encounter Zimbabwe  whose build-up to the finals was overshadowed by a row over bonuses – were just eight minutes away from claiming a famous victory before Mahrez struck again to secure a share of the spoils.

Zimbabwe lost Knowledge Musona early in the match to injury.

 The other game of group B will oppose Tunisia and Senegal at the Franceville stadium at 8:00 p.m.

The two first teams of each pool will qualify for the quarter finals scheduled from 28 January.

Africa Team