Algeria failed to kick off their World Cup qualifying Group B campaign with a win after throwing away their lead to draw 1-1 at home to Cameroon on Sunday. The hosts took an early lead, with Leicester City striker Islam Slimani flicking a corner into the path of the unmarked Hilal Soudani to head home from close range after seven minutes. Algeria looked lively in the early stages and seemed capable of doubling their lead but Cameroon caught them by surprise with a 24th-minute equaliser. A defensive lapse allowed Lorient forward Benjamin Moukandjo to fire home a low shot from inside the area and Algeria struggled to carve out openings afterwards. However, they could have still claimed all three points eight minutes after the break when Slimani broke clear, only to send a weak shot that was blocked by keeper Fabrice Ondoa. The introduction of Yacine Brahimi and Rachid Ghezzal had little impact as Cameroon held on for a valuable point away from home. Nigeria top the group with three points following their 2-1 away victory over Zambia earlier in the day, two ahead of Algeria and Cameroon. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
