Reigning African Champions Algeria were held to a goalless draw in their opening game in Group E of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The first half was largely to the advantage of Sierra Leone with two scoring chances for striker Alhadji Kamara.

After the break, Kei Kamara was whistled for offside when he thought he had opened the scoring.

This refused goal served as a reminder to the Desert Foxes who began to come out of their torpor.

Yacine Brahimi tried to light the first match in the 50th minute but fell short on the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper.

Algeria vs Sierra Leone – AFCON 2021
In the 65th minute Sofiane Bendebka was blocked by Steven Caulker as the ball hit the net.

With six minutes remaining, Benrhama misses the mark on his own in the penalty area.

Until the end, the Desert Foxes laid siege to the Sierra Leone side but goalkeeper Mohamed N Kamara remained strong and made up for his defense twice.

Algeria have now given the initiative to Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea to top Group E when the two meet on Wednesday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.