Riyad Mahrez and his Algerian counterparts are facing a possible humiliating first round exit after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Tunisia in the North African derby.
It was a horrible defensive nightmare to forget for the Algerian’s, an own goal from skipper Aissa Mandi and a penalty conceded by veteran defender Faouzi Ghoulam leaves them on the brink of elimination.
A late consolation goal from Sofiane Hanni set up a nervy finish to the game but it was not enough to save Algeria from defeat this time as Tunisia stood firm to take full control of their own destiny.
The Desert Warriors have a mountain to climb in the last group match meaning they have to win against tournament pacesetters Senegal who have already qualified to the quarterfinals.
Star player Riyad Mahrez rescued Algeria from the jaws of defeat defeat against Zimbabwe in the first group game with dazzling performances all-round.
The Leicester City man was however, relatively quiet against a sharper Tunisia side yesterday while his fellow club-mate Islam Slimani was the only spark in the Algerian squad.
The big man was giving Tunisia’s defense a hard time and it only took enormous heart performance by goalkeeper and captain Aymen Mathlouthi to stop Slimani from scoring.
Porto Midfielder Yacine Brahimi was equally absent in the action and totally out-shined by Tunisia play-maker Youssef Msakni who was rightfully voted man of the match.
Mahrez particularly has to rise to the occasion and lead his charges in this time of crisis (even though qualification may not lay in their hands), the Desert Warriors can go out fighting.
