Cameroon held to surprise draw by Algeria

CAMEROON, winners of the last two African Nations Cups, were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by outsiders Algeria as they began the defence of their crown yesterday.

Patrick Mboma headed the Indomitable Lions ahead shortly before half-time but Algeria, who have not been beyond the quarter-finals since they won the 1990 tournament, equalised through sub Brahim Zafour after the break.

It was the first goal conceded by Cameroon in the tournament since the 2000 final against Nigeria. They kept six successive clean sheets on their way to winning in Mali two years ago.