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Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal and Algeria battle back to claim opening wins

Moussa Sow, Senegal, African Cup of Nations
Image: Moussa Sow: Scores late winner for Senegal

Moussa Sow snatched a last-minute winner as Senegal battled back to claim a 2-1 victory over Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana opened the scoring through Andre Ayew’s penalty, but Stoke’s Mame Biram Diouf levelled with a header in the 66th minute before substitute Sow pounced in the dying stages of the Group C clash at Mongomo Stadium.

Asamoah Gyan’s absence due to mild malaria did not appear to affect Ghana in the early stages and their attacking efforts were rewarded when Christian Atsu was felled in the area by Bouna Coundoul. Ayew (14) took responsibility for the penalty kick, sweeping the ball into the net.

More slack defending from Senegal should have been punished shortly afterwards, but Ayew sliced wide after bursting through on goal.

Following a torrid start, Ghana gradually gained a foothold and Diouf nearly equalised in spectacular fashion, unleashing an overhead kick which was tipped over by Razak Braimah.

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Because of the threat of Ebola in West Africa, Guinea have had to overcome more obstacles than most other teams in the tournament in order to qualify

But Diouf (66) would not be denied in the second half and found the net with a header after his initial effort bounced back off a post.

With time ticking away, Senegal stepped up their search for a winner and Sow latched onto a pass before guiding a low shot into the far corner.

Ghana coach Avram Grant tried to stay positive, despite the disappointing start to their campaign.

"We don't want this result that has happened," he said, "but I'm sure as you saw the players showed good mentality and we hope it will be the same next game."

Algeria also had to overcome a one-goal deficit as they started with a 3-1 win over South Africa.

Thuso Phala opened the scoring for South Africa, but a missed penalty from Tokelo Rantie proved costly with Algeria hitting back through Thulani Hlatshwayo's own goal and further strikes from Faouzi Ghoulam and Islam Slimani.

Dean Furman was inches away from opening the scoring for South Africa in the first half when his 25-yard effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Rais M'Bolhi.

But the Algerian goalkeeper was beaten in the 51st minute when Phala side-footed the ball home after a neat interchange of passes in the area.

Rantie then spurned the chance to double his side’s lead as he rifled his spot-kick against the bar after Sibusiso Vilakazi was scythed down by Aissa Mandi, who escaped with a yellow card.

Already grateful for this reprieve, Algeria were then gifted a leveller when Hlatshwayo’s (67) misguided header drifted into the net.

South Africa’s defence was in disarray and Ghoulam (72) cut inside before slamming the ball inside the near post.

Slimani (83) then benefitted from sloppy handling by Darren Keet as his shot squirmed through the goalkeeper’s hands to complete an impressive comeback.

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