Tanzania hold Foxes in Algiers in Nations Cup qualifier

Saadane's Foxes looked a pale shadow of their World Cup side

Tanzania halted Algeria's confident bandwagon in its tracks as they held them to a 1-1 draw in their opening 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Algiers on Friday.

The Taifa Stars threatened to spring a major shock in the Group D game on 33 minutes when Abdi Kassim fired home a free-kick from 30-yards.

But Adlene Guedioura's goal on the on the stroke of half-time earned a draw for the 2010 World Cup finalists coached by Rabah Saadane.

The Desert Foxes looked a pale shadow of the side which harried and hassled England so effectively at the World Cup two months ago.

Tanzania packed their midfield with combative tacklers, which frustrated the North Africans but also removed almost any trace of attacking threat from the Algerians.

The Desert Foxes dominated possession after the break and created a number of chances - but Tanzania's tough and resolute approach merited a reward.

Meanwhile, minnows Central African Republic sprung another surprise in the group by holding Morocco to a 0-0 in Rabat on Saturday.

Only the group winner is assured qualification for the 2012 finals, which are being co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

It was Frenchman Jules Accorsi's first official game in charge of the Ubangui Fawns as he was appointed two weeks ago.