Group E
Results
*Equatorial Guinea 1-3 Algeria
*Sudan 0-2 Burkina Faso
Table
- Algeria – 9pts
- Burkina Faso – 6
- Sudan – 3
- Eq Guinea – 0
Algeria completed their group E campaign with a flawless record after a deserved 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
Having beaten Burkina Faso and Sudan in their opening two games, Algeria came into the match with almost nothing to fight for after sealing a place in knockout.
And despite making some changes to the lineup, including starting Riyad Mahrez on the bench, Algeria proved handful for Equatorial Guinea.
Zineddine Belaid scored with a flicked header for the opener just after 18 minutes following a corner from Hadj Moussa.
Algeria doubled their advantage seven minutes later, Fares Chaibi, after he was put through on goal by Ibrahim Maza, beat his marker while cutting to his right before firing into the top corner to finish off a brilliant move.
The tie was all but over just after the half-hour mark when Ibrahim Maza, after collecting from Hadj Moussa directed a header into the back of the net for the third goal.
Equatorial Guinea brought a goal back through Emilio Nsue who struck powerfully from the edge of the box in the 50th minute.
However, the response was limited, with Algeria quickly regaining control and managing the remainder of the contest with maturity.
The result sealed top spot in Group E for Algeria, who finished with maximum points and momentum firmly on their side heading into the knockout rounds. For Equatorial Guinea, the defeat confirmed a disappointing tournament, ending the group stage without a point after three matches.
Algeria and Nigeria are the only two sides to have won all their three group games, with the latter beating Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda to top Group C