The African Cup of Nations continued as Group D. took more of a shape as Baghdad Bounedjah's 95th-minute equaliser salvaged a second point for Algeria with a draw against Burkina Faso, whilst Gelson Dala scored twice as Angola beat Mauritania to close in on the last 16.
In the late game, Mali went ahead through Lassine Sinayoko's drilled opener in their Group E. tie, before Hamza Rafia's first-half strike gave 2004 champions Tunisia their first point courtesy of an eventual draw – which came after midfielder Rafia’s arriving first to send Ali Abdi's cross squirming in via goalkeeper Djigui Diarra's body.
It was forward Dala who reacted smartly to the rebound from a corner to put his side ahead, firing a shot against the turf and into the roof of the net. Sidi Amar then levelled for the Lions of Chinguetti with a dazzling run and finish two minutes before half-time, before, in the second half, Dala and Gilberto both struck to make it 3-1. Aboubakary Koita did score a spectacular consolation for Mauritania, for a final scoreline of 3-2.
In the game between Algeria and Burkina Faso, Mohamed Konate's header put the Stallions ahead just before half-time before Bounedjah levelled from close range six minutes after the break.
Bertrand Traore's penalty, however, restored Burkino Faso's lead 20 minutes later. But, with the two-time champions on the brink of defeat, striker Bounedjah rose highest to rescue them in added time.
The result leaves Group D finely poised, with Burkina Faso, who beat Mauritania through Traore's 96th-minute penalty on Tuesday, top on four points and on the brink of reaching the knockout stage for a second successive edition of the tournament.
Their result means that Angola are guaranteed to advance with a point against Burkina Faso, who also have four points.
