Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria were held to a 2-2 draw by Zimbabwe in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener in Franceville.

In a pulsating first half, Khama Billiat struck the post with a long-range effort before the Desert Foxes took the lead courtesy of a stunning strike from Leicester striker Mahrez.

But the Warriors, ranked 103 in the world, dominated the rest of the half and equalised soon after from Kudakwashe Mahachi’s fine strike before a penalty by Nyasha Mushekwi gave them the lead.

The Algerians dominated the second period as their opponents sat back with Ramy Bensebaini's header hitting the bar and Mahrez denied a penalty after being brought down by keeper Tatenda Mkuruva.

And they got their reward late on through Mahrez’s long-range effort, which keeper Mkuruva should have kept out, to clinch a point.