Pre-tournament favourites Algeria suffered a humiliating group phase exit at the Africa Cup of Nations despite a double from striker Islam Slimani in their 2-2 draw with Senegal in Franceville on Monday.
Slimani, quiet for much of the tournament, twice put the Foxes ahead but Senegal equalised, first through Papa Diop and then courtesy of Moussa Sow to ensure they finished Group B in first place with seven points.
The result means Algeria bow out without winning a game, a record they share with Zimbabwe who were hammered 4-2 by Tunisia in the group’s other fixture.
Algeria had to win and hope for a favour from Zimbabwe in the night’s other game, but it was not to be as Diop volleyed home from the edge of the area with half-time approaching after Slimani had roofed a floated pass from Sofiane Hanni for the opener.
Reigning Africa Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez turned provider for the second eight minutes after the restart, lifting the ball up to the back post where Slimani controlled before slicing a volley that just trickled in.
However, Senegal drew level again within a minute, Sow pouncing on a loose ball from the edge of the area with a first-time finish.
Tunisia became the first team to score four goals at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations as they demolished Zimbabwe 4-2 to seal a quarterfinal place.
