African Champions Algeria Face Early AFCON Exit After Losing 35-Game Unbeaten Run to Equatorial Guinea

• Riyad Mahrez and his superstar teammates face shock exit after one of the biggest-ever AFCON upsets
• Esteban Obiang slid in at the far post to convert a flick-on for Equatorial Guinea to hand the current AFOCN champions their first loss in 35 matches
• Algeria must beat Ivory Coast in their final game to have a chance of reaching the last 16 in Cameroon

African Champions Algeria are on the brink of an early AFCON exit after losing 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea is one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.

Esteban Obiang who was playing in Spain’s fifth tier last year was the unsung hero for the Guineans as he arrived at the back post to connect with a corner in the 70th minute for the winner, ending a four-year unbeaten run for the African champion and leaving its title defense in Cameroon in pieces Africa News reports.

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The Desert Warriors now sit bottom of Group E with one point from their first two games, 3 points behind group leaders Ivory Coast. Equatorial Guinea are second with 3 points, Sierra Leone are third with 2 points.

According to the Daily Mail, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi said his side was unlucky in the encounter despite creating several scoring chances.

'It's not the expected result and yet we did everything, we got several chances but the ball did not go in.

'We are in a situation of failure; it is a lean moment. Football is not always about rational reasons but let's be sure, we will fight to stay in this competition.

It will be against a great team from Côte d'Ivoire which is made up of players playing in the biggest leagues. 'Regarding the opponent, Equatorial Guinea, they defended with a lot of desire, determination and we couldn't find the fault, it's a situation of failure.'

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Algeria must now beat Ivory Coast in their final group game on Thursday, January 20, to stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16 after such a disappointing display at the AFCON so far.

AFCON 2021: Ghana forward Benjamin Tetteh banned for three matches

Earlier Sportsbrief reported The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has banned Black Stars forward Benjamin Tetteh for three matches following his role in the melee that ensued after the Ghana versus Gabon game.

Ghana forward attacked a Gabonese player right at the end of the match, starting the scuffles that marred an intense encounter.

In a statement from the CAF's disciplinary committee, the player will first face an automatic two match ban before an addition one-game suspension for indiscipline.

The Black Stars have been reduced to only two strikers, with Jordan Ayew and Richmond Boakye Yiadom to rely on.

Ghana needs a victory against Comoros in the final group game to stand a chance of progressing to the last 16.