The opening game of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations ends with a share of the spoils, as hosts Equatorial Guinea draw 1-1 with Congo, courtesy of a late equaliser from Thievy Bifouma in Bata.
Nzalang Nacional looked on course for all three points after Emilio Nsue’s first half goal, but Thievy Bifouma earned the Red Devils a share of the spoils will a late equaliser.
Kike’s superb footwork down the right flank created the opening goal in the 16th minute, with the winger skipping past a defender before playing a perfectly weighted through ball that allowed Nsue to fire a low shot past goalkeeper Chris Mafoumbi.
The Red Devils enjoyed plenty of ball possession as the first half wore on, but they lacked the pace and penetration to really trouble Nzalang Nacional’s defence, which was marshalled by the excellent Rui da Garcia.
Javier Balboa was then denied by Mafoumbi before substitute Ladislas Douniama drew a strong save from Ovono at the other end.
Francis N’Ganga struck the post with a free kick as Congo pushed for a leveller, which finally came whenThievy converted from substitute Dominique Malonga’s throughball.
Malonga was then presented with a glorious opportunity to complete the turnaround in injury time, but he could only shoot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards out.
Equatorial Guinea next face Burkina Faso, while Congo will take on Gabon. The second round matches will be played in Bata on January 21.
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