Algeria, former champions of the Africa Cup of Nations, suffered a stunning exit on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Mauritania, a team positioned 75 places below them in the world rankings.
The underdogs secured their victory with a goal from Captain Mohamed Dellash Yaly in the 37th minute, earning them one of the coveted four spots reserved for third-placed finishers in the group stage.
Contrastingly, Angola secured their place in the last 16 as Group D winners, defeating Burkina Faso 2-0 on Tuesday. Mabululu and Zini scored the crucial goals, leading Angola to victory and top placement in the group. The match in Yamoussoukro unfolded with both teams already aware of their advancement to the last 16, but the outcome would determine their final group stage standings.
In the 36th minute, Angola took the lead as Mabululu, an Egypt-based striker, netted a near-post header from Fredy Ribeiro’s free-kick delivery, marking his second goal of the tournament.
Burkina Faso mounted pressure in the second half, seeking an equalizer, but Angola secured their triumph in stoppage time. Zini capitalized on a loose ball, converting a shot spilled by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi.
With a draw against 2019 champions Algeria and a victory over Mauritania, Angola topped the group. They are set to face the best third-placed team in Bouake in the last 16 on Saturday, marking only their third occasion advancing beyond the group stage. Their previous feat occurred in 2010 when they hosted the tournament.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s unexpected 1-0 loss allowed Burkina Faso to claim the second spot in the group. Burkina Faso is now headed to the northern city of Korhogo for a Tuesday tie against the winners of Group E, which includes Mali, South Africa, or Namibia. The knockout stage awaits as teams vie for supremacy in the quest for the Africa Cup of Nations title.
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