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Islam Slimani double not enough as Algeria crash out after Senegal draw

By Wires
Cup of Nations Islam Slimani double not enough as Algeria crash out after Senegal draw
JAN 23, 2017 LISTEN

Leicester stars Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are heading home from the Africa Cup of Nations after Algeria finished third in Group B following a 2-2 draw with Senegal.

Although striker Slimani scored twice – once from close range after just 10 minutes following a pinpoint cross from Sofiane Hanni, and again in the second half with a shinned finish over Khadim N’Diaye – it was not enough as Tunisia beat Zimbabwe 4-2 in the other Group B match to seal qualification in second place behind Senegal.

Papakouli Diop cancelled out Slimani’s first goal just before half-time and Moussa Sow scored a minute after the Leicester striker’s second to earn Senegal top spot on seven points, with Tunisia just one behind.

Senegal's progression was already assured pre-match, meaning highly-rated coach Aliou Cisse was afforded the luxury of making ten changes to the side who beat Zimbabwe last time out, but they looked anything like a second string.

Slimani should have won the match for Algeria late on, but fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. The Leicester striker then limped off, which will be a worry for Foxes fans.

Up next for Senegal is a quarter-final date with Cameroon, with Tunisia through to face Burkina Faso, at Algeria's expense.

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