RABAT: Algeria maintained their perfect record at the Africa Cup of Nations finals, beating Equatorial Guinea 3-1 on Wednesday to complete a clean sweep of Group E and underline their credentials as title contenders.
Fielding a much-changed side after already securing top spot, Algeria were still comfortably in control as first-half goals from Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza settled the contest at the Stade Moula El Hassan.
Belaid opened the scoring in the 18th minute, glancing home a header from Anis Hadj Moussa’s corner. Six minutes later, Maza turned provider, threading a pass from deep for Chaibi, who cut inside before firing in from close range.
The 20-year-old Maza then capped an impressive display by netting Algeria’s third in the 32nd minute, getting his head to Hadj Moussa’s cross to the delight of the crowd.
Veteran Emilio Nsue pulled one back for Equatorial Guinea after the break, while goalkeeper Jesus Owono made two fine saves late in the first half to keep the scoreline respectable.
Algeria, who made nine changes after Sunday’s win over Burkina Faso, will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 16.
