Algeria asserted themselves as the favorites in the early exchanges, dominating possession and pinning the Angolan team in their own end. MC Alger playmaker Youcef Belaïli caused issues on the left wing and was the catalyst when Les Verts struck first in the 18th minute to complete a dominant spell. Belaïli collected the ball in the midfield and lofted his pass just beyond the Angolan defense to find the run of Bounedjah, who let the ball bounce once before firing past goalkeeper Neblú.
The underdogs did not fold under the extended dominance of the Algerians, who failed to find a second goal to move out of reach despite a couple of fierce shot attempts from Belaïli. A tactical adjustment from Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves saw striker Mabululu introduced for midfielder Bruno Paz, a decision that made the Palancas Negras more dangerous in attack.
Les Verts continued to loosen their grasp on the match after halftime and the resilience of Angola was rewarded in the 65th minute when Mabululu snuck in ahead of Nabil Bentaleb to get on the end of a cross and was tripped by the Algeria midfielder for a penalty kick. The striker got up and proceeded to fire the spot kick off the crossbar and just over the line of keeper Anthony Mandrea.
Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi threw on attacking substitutions but his team struggled to regain the advantage against a newly inspired opponent. Les Verts had one last opportunity in stoppage time following an Angola handball just outside the penalty area but Neblú pushed away the resulting shot attempt to preserve a valuable point for the Palancas Negras.
Highlights of the late match are below.
Match Highlights
