Algeria 1-1 Tanzania: Taifa Stars Surprise Then Survive In Blida

A thunderous first half free kick from Abdi Kasim and an outstanding second half display from goalkeeper Chabane Hassan has given the Taifa Stars a dream start to their 2012 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Rabah Saadane responded to recent criticisms by starting three outright attackers in Abdelmalek Ziaya, Rafik Djebbouer, and Abdelkader Ghezzal. The Algerians dominated possession in the early going and got their first look at goal in the fourth minute when Ghezzal controlled a free kick with his knee before volleying the ball straight at the opposing keeper. Minutes later, Ziaya could have also scored but his close range effort went well wide as Tanzanian defenders were closing in on him.

Algeria continued to press for the opener and were well in control of the midfield but their finishing touch was lacking. It took the Taifa stars until the 18^th minute to get third first shot of the match through Mrisho Ngasa. Despite the shot being off target, the opportunity galvanized the visitors who finally began showing signs of a fluid passing game.

In the 31^st minute a brisk Tanzanian counter attack was stopped short by Adlene Guedioura who conceded a free kick from well outside the area. The Tanzanian number ten, Abdi Kasim, took charge of the set piece and subsequently stunned the stadium with a powerful left footed drive that swerved past the badly placed defensive wall and went right into Rais M’Bolhi’s net.

Four minutes later things could have gone from bad to worse for the Fennecs but their ‘keeper made an impressive save on a Tanzanian strike from point blank range that followed some impressive buildup play from Jan Poulsen’s men.

Right before halftime Algeria came close to equalizing but Hassan Yebda missed the frame with a header that should have been left for Ziaya. Just when it looked like the Algerians would be heading into their dressing room down a goal, Guedioura atoned for his earlier mistake with an absolute cannon-ball from forty yards out that found the top right corner and reignited the Blida crowd.

At the start of the second period the Greens ratcheted up the pressure once more and could have scored their second but Ghezzal ended up clearing a goal bound Djebbour lob instead of heading it into the net. Ziaya came close to scoring as well after an excellent run and cross by Belhadj but the Tanzanian keeper intervened just in time. In the 73^rd minute, the Taifa Stars goalie was once again the savior, stopping a close range Abdoun volley.

Algeria tried everything to get the winner but a courageous Tanzanian team held on until the end and can now celebrate having earned their first away point of 2012 AFCON qualifying. The result is a setback for Rabah Saadane’s men who now have to seek a win in the Central African Republic before they host neighbors Morocco.

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