AFRON
AFCON: Pele penalty miss denies Guinea-Bissau first win
Sudan goalkeeper Ali Aboeshren was the hero as his late penalty save from Pele ensured a share of the spoils against Guinea-Bissau in Group D.
Pele had a late penalty saved as Sudan and Guinea-Bissau drew 0-0 in their opening Group D match of this year's Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday. The spoils were shared following a low-key encounter that burst into life towards the end at Stade Omnisport de Garoua.
Quiet first half
Chances were few and far between during the first half. The best opportunity saw Joseph Mendes' 16th-minute header hit the post for Guinea-Bissau, who were seeking their first victory in three appearances at the tournament. Meanwhile, in their first appearance for a decade, 1970 champions Sudan were aiming to record only their second win in 14 AFCON matches since lifting the trophy 52 years ago.
Guinea-Bissau were presented with a great chance to take all three points when Ali Aboeshren clattered into Steve Ambri inside the box 11 minutes from time. But the goalkeeper atoned for his error, guessing correctly to deny Pele before Frederic Mendy's rebound crashed against the crossbar. Mendy then had a shot cleared off the line as the Djurtus turned up the pressure, but their opponents held out for a first clean sheet at the tournament since their 1970 final triumph.