Algeria, Senegal win African Cup of Nations openers

Posted January 18, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Algeria's Faouzi Ghoulam, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the African Cup of Nations Group C soccer match against South Africa in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

MONGOMO, Equatorial Guinea (AP) - Moussa Sow scored in the third minute of second-half injury time, giving Senegal a 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday night in its African Cup of Nations opener.

With Ghana missing captain Asamoah Gyan, who was sidelined with malaria, the Black Stars went ahead on a 14th-minute penalty kick by Andre Ayew. Christian Atsu was fouled by Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul said, a former starter in Major League Soccer for Colorado and the New York Red Bulls.

Mame Biram Diouf tied the score with a header in the 66th after his initial effort bounced off a post.

In the day's other game, tournament favorite Algeria rallied to beat South Africa 3-1.

Thuso Phala put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 51st. Given a chance to extend the lead two minutes later, Tokelo Rantie put his penalty kick off the crossbar and over.

Algeria tied the score in the 67th on an own goal when South Africa's Thulani Hlatshwayo misdirected a header over his own goalkeeper and into the net. Faouzi Ghoulam scored the go-ahead goal in the 71st and Islam Slimani padded the margin in the 82nd.

South Africa's Oupa Manyisa, right, and Algeria's Islam Slimani challenge for the ball, during the African Cup of Nations Group C soccer match between Algeria and South Africa in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

Senegal's Mame Birame Diouf, second from left, scores a goal against Ghana's goalkeeper Razak Braimah, right, during the African Cup of Nations Group C soccer match between Ghana and Senegal in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

A Ghana soccer supporter gestures during the African Cup of Nations Group C soccer match between Ghana and Senegal, in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

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