Algeria snatched a point from Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations today ©Getty Images

Zimbabwe were cruelly denied an Africa Cup of Nations opening victory after Leicester City's Riyad Mahrez scored a late equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw for Algeria in the opening match of Group B.

Zimbabwe, making their first appearance at the finals since 2006, rallied from 1-0 down to lead with just eight minutes remaining before Mahrez scored his second of the match at the Stade de Franceville in Gabon.

Mahrez, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, put Algeria in front after just 12 minutes when his curling shot rebounded off the post and into the net.

However, the Zimbabweans responded magnificently as Kudakwashe Mahachi found the corner with a low shot before a Nyasha Mushekwi penalty made it 2-1 to the underdogs.

Algeria improved considerably after the interval and dominated the second half of the match as they went in search of a leveller.

They hit the woodwork twice, once through a Ramy Bensebaini header and secondly when Zimbabwe defender Elisha Muroiwa sliced a clearance.

It was Mahrez that levelled the match, however, as his 25-yard shot went into the net.

However, Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva will be disappointed he did not keep it out.

The Desert Foxes may have stolen all three points as Mukuruva abandoned his goal but, when the ball fell to Yacine Brahimi, the winger failed to take advantage.

Senegal were winners this evening as they beat Tunisia 2-0 ©Getty Images
Senegal were winners this evening as they beat Tunisia 2-0 ©Getty Images

Senegal claimed the first win of the tournament as they defeated Tunisia 2-0 at the Stade de Franceville.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mané opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour fouled West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté.

Senegalese defender Kara Mbodji then doubled his country's lead soon after as he jumped above his marker and placed a header into the Tunisian goal.

Tunisia had chances in the second half to get back into the match but failed to convert any of them as they became the first team not to claim a point from their opening match at the tournament.

Senegal almost scored a third but Ismaila Sarr's cross hit the bar.

Action in Gabon is scheduled to continue tomorrow, with the opening two matches in Group C.

Defending champions Ivory Coast open their campaign against Togo before the Democratic Republic of Congo go up against Morocco.

Both games are due to take place at the Stade d'Oyem in Oyem.