Image source, Getty Images

Algeria inflicted a rare home defeat on Cameroon as the 2019 African champions took a crucial 1-0 lead from the first leg of their 2022 World Cup play-off.

Playing in Douala, where Cameroon have been unbeaten since losing a Nations Cup qualifier in 2000, veteran Islam Slimani's winner handed Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi the perfect 46th birthday present.

Five minutes before the break, the former Leicester City striker rose to meet Youcef Belaili's free-kick and power a header past Ajax goalkeeper Andrè Onana.

The Desert Foxes - bidding to reach a fifth World Cup - host Cameroon, who have been to more World Cups (seven) than any other African side, in the return leg on Tuesday.

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Victor Osimhen is unhappy. The Napoli man feels he deserves a free kick but the referee is uninterested.

Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport

Tackles are flying in. Jordan Ayew overhit one his free-kick and quickly apologises. The Crystal Palace man is under pressure to score for his country today.

Postpublished at 19:50 Greenwich Mean Time 25 March 2022

19:50 GMT 25 March 2022

Egypt 1-0 Senegal

Egypt's Mohamed Abdel Moneim is writhing in pain and receives medical treatment.

An early, enforced change by Aliou Cisse. Abdou Diallo (Senegal) requires medical treatment, so the referee stops play and signals for the physio to come onto the pitch. Pape Abdou Cisse is brought on a substitute.

Still waiting for the first real attempt on goal in this game.

Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport

Can't be a North African winner from this one, of course.

The home fans trying to unsettle the Nigerians as Ghana try to dictate the pace of the game. Exciting Gideon Mensah taking the game to the visitors, while captain Thomas Partey leading the charge as the Black Stars continue to probe the Super Eagles' defence.

It's turning into a great night for the North African teams.

...and in Kumasi

Under way in Cairo...

The teams are filing out now in front of a full house at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi. National anthems now.

Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport

Otto Addo's maiden line up for Ghana shows the Black Stars intend to dominate the midfield.

Ghana's line up vs Nigeria: Joseph Wallacot

Dennis Odoi Frimpong, Gideon Mensah, Daniel Amartey, Alexander Djiku

Mohamed Iddrissu Baba, Thomas Partey (C), Mohammed Kudus, Afena Gyan, Jordan Ayew

Fatahu Ishaku

Kevin Hand and Nishat Ladha have begun the live commentary on BBC World Service in Africa of the "Jollof derby" - Ghana v Nigeria.

It's only on radio in Africa, but if you've got a wireless nearby, then tune in and listen - you can find out how here.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Arabic's Riham Eldeeb

Egypt and Senegal clash again in the first leg of their high-profile World Cup play-off tie in Cairo after almost a month in the Africa Cup of Nations Final in Cameroon, where Senegal won their first title by penalties following a goalless draw.

Liverpool duo Mo Salah and Sadio Mane of course once again take much of the focus.

Maher Mezahi

Algeria have completed 'mission impossible', winning their first official match against Cameroon - their bogey side. The Fennecs scored late in the first half and comfortably held on to their lead throughout the second half. The 2019 Afcon champions will now head back to Algeria with a precious away goal and a one-nil lead in this tie. Reminder: Algeria haven't lost a home match at Stade Mustapha Tchaker stadium in Blida since they have started playing at the venue in 2004 - a run that spans over 40 matches.

Maher Mezahi

Into the seventh minute of injury time and Cameroon are throwing everything at Algeria. The visitors are defending with every bit of energy they can muster. Rigobert Song's men have won dangerous free-kicks, but have squandered most of them with poor crosses.

Souhail Khmira

The Carthage Eagles will fly home with a very important victory. The Tunisians held their ground against the hosts, who despite being reduced to ten men, created the better chances in the second half.

Souhail Khmira

Striker Saliou Guindo, who had a stint playing in Tunisia for Esperance, comes on for the final few minutes to replace Diaby. Moments later Kiki Kouyate is booked for a foul on Khenissi - Al Ahly's Maaloul takes the freekick but Ghandri heads wide.

Maher Mezahi

End-to-end action in Douala as the fourth match official indicates 11 minutes of added time!

Cameroon threatened first by way of Tawamba who turned his marker inside-out, but had his shot blocked by Aissa Mandi. Algeria counter-attacked from the subsequent corner-kick, but Bendebka couldn't latch on to Belaili's cross.