PORT-GENTIL, Gabon (AP) — Algeria was eliminated from the African Cup of Nations in Gabon in a goal rush in the final games in Group B on Monday.
The one-time title contender drew with Senegal 2-2 and learned Tunisia went through to the quarterfinals in its place by beating Zimbabwe 4-2.
Ten goals flew in at the culmination of the group but Algeria’s fate was effectively sealed quickly when North African rival Tunisia went 2-0 up very early over the Zimbabweans with strikes from Niam Sliti and Youssef Msakni. Algeria needed Tunisia to lose in Libreville to have a chance of progressing to the quarters.
Senegal had already qualified for the quarterfinals — and already won the group — and rested many of its frontline players. Algeria still couldn’t win.
In the eastern city of Franceville, Algeria twice led through goals from Islam Slimani, and Senegal twice equalized, leaving Algeria to exit the tournament without a win.
Two of the four quarterfinal lineups have now been decided: Tunisia will play Burkina Faso, and Senegal will play Cameroon.
Algeria’s surprise exit — it was tipped to go far — followed host Gabon’s elimination on Sunday. A real big name could follow the same route on Tuesday when defending champion Ivory Coast’s hopes hang on it getting a win against Morocco.