Guinea vs. Algeria (0-0): “Greens” Settle for a Draw, Awaiting Confirmation of 2026 World Cup Qualification Algiers – The Algerian national football team postponed securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after settling for a 0-0 draw against Guinea on Monday, September 8, 2025, in the eighth round of Group G qualifiers for the tournament, set to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, according to a report by aps.dz.
The “Greens” faced challenging moments during the match due to dangerous chances created by Guinea, while the team led by captain Riyad Mahrez had only a few opportunities, which they failed to convert.
The match began cautiously, with Algeria’s first notable chance coming after 15 minutes when striker Mohamed Amine Amoura broke through but missed a golden opportunity against Guinea’s goalkeeper Camara. Guinea responded in the 26th minute with a swift counterattack led by Aliou Baldé, who went one-on-one with Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz, who made a difficult save.
Guinea dominated midfield with short passes but failed to create significant threats, and the first half ended in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Algeria pushed to open the scoring. In the 50th minute, Farès Chaïbi unleashed a powerful shot, which was saved by the Guinean goalkeeper, and the rebound fell to Amoura, who sent it wide. Guinea’s attack, led by Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, put Algeria’s defense under pressure. The most dangerous moment came in the 55th minute when Baldé dribbled past Guendouz and shot at an open goal, only for Youcef Atal to clear the ball off the line with a header, saving Algeria from a certain goal.
Algeria’s response was delayed until coach Vladimir Petković introduced substitutes Anis Hadj Moussa and Amine Gouiri. In the 80th minute, a counterattack led by Amoura saw the ball reach Chaïbi, who hesitated before shooting, allowing Guinea’s defense to recover.
Both teams, particularly Guinea, continued to press, but the match ended in a goalless draw.
With this result, Algeria consolidated their lead in Group G with 19 points, followed by Uganda and Mozambique, both with 15 points. Guinea sits in fourth with 11 points, followed by Botswana in fifth with 9 points, while Somalia remains at the bottom with 1 point.
This draw delays Algeria’s official qualification for the 2026 World Cup until the next round. A victory in either of their upcoming matches against Somalia or Uganda, scheduled for October 2025, will be sufficient to secure their place in the finals.
In other Group G matches played on Monday, Mozambique defeated Botswana 2-0, while Uganda also won against Somalia with the same scoreline.
Standings (after Round 8):
- Algeria: 19 points
- Uganda: 15 points
- Mozambique: 15 points
- Guinea: 11 points
- Botswana: 9 points
- Somalia: 1 point
