Algeria's Redouane Berkane (foreground) controls the ball.
Doha, Qatar: Defending champions Algeria – reduced to 10 men in the opening half – held off a relentless second-half surge from a determined Sudan outfit to begin their FIFA Arab Cup title defence with a hard-earned point yesterday.
Algeria opened their Group D campaign at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on a bright note, controlling much of the first-half play before Adam Ounas was dismissed just before the interval after receiving his second yellow card.
The sending-off shifted the momentum dramatically in Sudan’s favour, and they pushed forward continuously after the break, yet the score remained unchanged in front of a crowd of more than 37,000 fans.
“We are focused and our goal is to reach the knockout stage,” Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Alnour said following the match. “We performed well but we still have big games ahead in the group, and everyone is determined to give their maximum.”
Algeria's Yassine Benzia (right) and Sudan’s Ammar Tayfour vie for the ball.
Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra admitted the red card disrupted his side’s rhythm.
“We faced many difficulties and it turned into a very tough match, especially after Adam Ounas’ dismissal. We will now shift our attention to our next game,” he said.
Sofiane Bendebka went close with a header as Algeria searched for an early breakthrough. Adil Boulbina, heavily involved throughout the half, nearly put Algeria ahead but was denied by a sharp stop from Alnour in the 25th minute.
Ounas’ two cautions, picked up within a seven-minute spell, led to his expulsion in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, altering the match’s complexion entirely.
Sudan emerged far stronger in the second half, crafting several chances but failing to capitalise on their dominance. Abdelrazig Yagoub came closest in the 70th minute with a fierce strike from the centre of the box that rattled the side netting, as Algeria resisted a wave of late pressure to secure the draw.
Algeria will now look to claim victory against Bahrain on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium, while Sudan face Iraq the same day at Stadium 974.
