Algeria out as group phase ends with more shocks

The Ivory Coast dumped defending champions Algeria out of the Africa Cup of Nations, Mali topped Group F and minnows Comoros Islands, Equatorial Guinea and Gambia advanced to the last 16 as the group phase came to a dramatic close on Thursday.

Algeria went home, bottom of their group in a spectacular fall from grace, as they lost 3-1 in Douala to the Ivorians in a match they had to win to stay in the tournament.

Nicolas Pepe scored a superb solo goal and Franck Kessie and Ibrahim Sangare added the others while Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty for Algeria.

Equatorial Guinea were second in the group after edging Sierra Leone 1-0 in Limbe with Pablo Gannet’s 38th-minute goal ensuring their second win of the tournament.

Sierra Leone would have also grabbed a slot in the last-16 as one of the four best third-placed finishers had they drawn but veteran striker Kei Kamara missed a last-minute penalty to scupper their chances.

His effort was saved by Equatorial Guinea’s 20-year-old goalkeeper Jesus Owono, allowing the tiny Comoros Island to go through without kicking a ball.

They were waiting to find out whether they would advance as one of the best third-placed finishers after their shock 3-2 win over Ghana on Tuesday and will play hosts Cameroon on Monday.

Mali topped Group F after Massadio Haidara’s early goal set them on their way to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mauritania in Douala.

Haidara scored the fastest goal of the tournament as he netted after 92 seconds, before Mali added a second via the penalty spot through striker Ibrahima Kone.

Mali play Equatorial Guinea in the next round.

Gambia were runners-up, on goal difference, and Tunisia went through in third place.

Gambia upset the Tunisians with a last-gasp 1-0 win in Limbe