A brace by Riyad Mahrez helped Algeria to a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe in their opening Group B clash in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Zimbabwe were dealt a major blow 11 minutes into the match when Knowledge Musona was forced with an injury and had to be replaced by Matthew Rusike.

Algeria broke the deadlock through Mahrez when he guided his curling effort into the far corner from inside the area after Khama Billiat’s strike hit the woodwork.

However, Zimbabwe drew level in the 16th minute when Kuda Mahachi beat his marker before firing his effort from just outside the box into the back of the net.

The Warriors were then awarded a penalty in the 29th minute when Onismor Bhasera was brought down in the box and Nyasha Mushweki stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake to score from the spot-kick to make it 2-1.

Ten minutes into the second half, Zimbabwe came close to extending their lead but Mbolhi produced a fine save to deny Billiat’s effort at goal.

Algeria pressed forward in search of an equalising goal and came close to levelling matters in the 72nd minute when Elisha Muroiwa nearly deflected the ball into his own net but guided his clearance over the crossbar.

However, Algeria eventually found the equalising goal in the 85th minute when Mahrez completed his brace after scoring from distance.

Image CAF website