Aurier in goal to save draw
SERGE AURIER was forced to go in goal for IVORY COAST as they hung on for a 2-2 draw with SIERRA LEONE in the Africa Cup of Nations yesterday. Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe had given his side a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes left with a curling effort, but in the 93rd minute Alhadji Kamara pounced on an error by goalkeeper Badra Sangare to give Sierra Leone a shock point. Sangare injured himself in the process, meaning former Tottenham right back Aurier had to don the gloves for the rest of stoppage time. Ex-West Ham striker Sebastien Haller had opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Musa Noah Kamara equalised for Sierra Leone. Elsewhere in Group E, holders ALGERIA’s 35-match unbeaten run came to a stunning end as they were defeated by EQUATORIAL GUINEA.
Esteban Obiang scored the only goal as the world No 114 team produced a huge upset against the tournament favourites. Algeria had not lost since 2018 and were just two games short of equalling Italy’s world record of 37 unbeaten. In Group F, TUNISIA thrashed MAURITANIA 4-0 but sit third after MALI and GAMBIA drew 1-1 to stay joint top.