North African countries are fully, but being poorly represented in the ongoing African Cup of Nations. Their performances so far have been below expectations. Each of them has played at least one game.
Tunisia played today. It will be their first match in the 33rd AFCON in Cameroon. But the North African team, which is among the favorites to win the cup, fell to the West African side, Mali.
The Malian netted once and didn’t allow Tunisians to return it. Despite the fact that Mali got a red card, the Tunisians were unable to equalise and settle for a draw.
The same thing happened to Egypt yesterday when they confronted Nigerian Super Eagles. It was one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament.
Egypt could boast of Mohammed Salah, a top scorer in the English Premier League. Yet the 7-time AFCON winners could fire more than one shot on target. The Super Eagles beat them.
The defending champions, Algeria, were also unable to record a goal against another West African side, Sierra Leone in the competition.
Algeria have Riyad Mahrez. And it was still difficult to break the defence of the Sierra Leone squad. The game ended in a draw.
Sudan may not be as strong as other North African team. Sudan is in group D along with Nigeria, Egypt and Guinea Bissau. Its opening match wasn’t as bad as Egypt’s. Sudan drew Guinea Bissau.
Follow us on social media
