Sierra Leone was impressive against Algeria as both nations played to a goalless draw in their Africa Cup of Nations Group E opener at the Japoma Stadium on Tuesday.

Thanks to Local-based keeper Mohamed Kamara, who was named the Man of the Match for his composed display.

It’s was a show of two equals over 90-minute despite bookmakers picking Algeria to win the opener. China-based striker Mohamed Buta Turay was a handful for the Algeria right-back Bensebaini.

The North Africans and their counterparts missed a couple of good chances in the first forty-five minutes. Turay also tested Rais M’Bolhi in the first half. After the break, Alhaji Kamara, who plays for Danish side Randers, came close with an early snapshot for Sierra Leone.

Kamara then had an effort disallowed for offside after the break before Brahimi’s gilt-edged miss at the other end.

This refused goal served as a reminder to the Desert Foxes, who began to come out showing their brilliance. However, the Leone Stars show no respect as they continue with a counter-attacking of the holders.

Yacine Brahimi tried to light the first match in the 50th minute but fell short on the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper. In the 65th minute, Sofiane Bendebka was blocked by Steven Caulker as the ball hit the net.

With six minutes remaining, Benrhama misses the mark on his own in the penalty area. The match remains goalless as the Desert Foxes laid siege to the Sierra Leone side but informed goalkeeper Mohamed N Kamara was on his best as he made up for his defence twice.

Sierra Leone face the Ivory Coast on the 16 at the same venue, a match that will surely put coach John Keister men on their way to the round of sixteen if they can avoid defeat.

Algeria, who defeated Senegal in the 2019 final, face Equatorial Guinea in their next game on Sunday.

In the same group on Wednesday, Ivory Coast will take on Equatorial.

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The first goalkeeper in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 to earn the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award! 🧤

Give it up for #TeamSierraLeone's Mohamed Kamara! 💪#AFCON2021 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/eXiqA1FwJv

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022

FULL TIME #TeamAlgeria 0-0 #TeamSierraLeone

With a goalless draw, the points are shared 🤝#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #ALGSLE pic.twitter.com/KdO3uzPKYq

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2022