Francistown (Botswana) – The Algerian national football team achieved an important and valuable victory against their hosts, Botswana, with a score of 3-1 (first half 0-1), in the match held this Friday evening at the “Obed Itani Chilume” Stadium, as part of the fifth round of Group Seven in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The match began in favor of the home team, who attempted to control the game and apply high pressure on the Algerian team from the opening minutes.
The first dangerous chance came for the hosts in the seventh minute through player Orebone, who fired a powerful shot toward the goal, but it was saved by Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Mandrea.
The Algerian team then tried to retain possession and build attacks through teamwork, but a pass from Atal at the end of the move failed to find any teammates inside the box in the 12th minute.
Botswana’s strength lay on the left flank, relying on quick play and long balls directed by Tommy Song, which threatened the Algerian goal on several occasions. However, Botswana’s slight advantage was not enough to shake the Algerian team, who were the first to break the deadlock through player Amin Guerri just before halftime (44th minute). He received a perfect through ball from Hicham Boudaoui on the left side, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed and scoring the opening goal.
The first half ended with Algeria leading 1-0, but they lost right-back Youcef Atal to injury, who was replaced by Ahmed Touba (38th minute).
In the second half, Riyad Mahrez and his teammates took control of the game from the early minutes, using short passes and maintaining possession effectively. This allowed them to extend their lead with a second goal scored by Mohamed-Amine Amoura, who capitalized on a precise through ball from Guerri (51st minute). He beat the defender inside the box and easily doubled the scoreline.
The second goal further boosted the confidence of coach Vladimir Petković’s men, enabling them to play the remainder of the match more comfortably.
On the other hand, Botswana did not give up hope of making a comeback. They managed to reduce the deficit in the 70th minute after a defensive error by the Algerian backline, with player Kobelang scoring his team’s first goal after the Algerian goalkeeper initially saved his first attempt.
However, Algeria responded quickly thanks again to Amoura, who secured the third goal with a brilliant solo effort. He skillfully bypassed Botswana’s defense before finishing calmly (3-1), giving his team full control of the game until the final whistle.
Following this victory, the Algerian team regained the top spot in Group Seven with 12 points, tied with Mozambique but six points ahead of Guinea, Botswana, and Uganda, who each have six points. Somalia remains at the bottom without a single point.
The fifth round of matches in Group Seven will conclude later tonight with the Guinea-Somalia clash (22:00) in Ivory Coast.
In the sixth round, scheduled for next Tuesday (22:00), the Algerian team will host Mozambique at Hussein Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, while Guinea travels to face Uganda, and Botswana hosts Somalia.
The group winner will qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.
