2025 African Cup of Nations Qualifier – J6
Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium (Tizi Ouzou)
Referee: Patrice Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)
Algeria 5-1 Liberia
Buts : Dweh (5'), Mandi (19'), Mahrez (29'), Bounedjah (65'), Gouiri (74'), Amoura (90+4')
Cartons : Koulibaly (21′), Sesay (45′), Teah (58′)
Algeria : 1 – Guendouz, 2 – Mandi, 4 – Tougai, 21 – Bensebaïni, 20 – Atal (3 – Farsi, 71'), 13 – Hadjam, 22 – Kendouci, 8 – Chaibi (14 – Abdelli, 74'), 7 – Mahrez (c) (18 – Amoura, 71'), 11 – Gouiri (10 – Benrahma, 83'), 9 – Bounedjah (12 – Benzia, 83') / Entr. : V. Petkovic
Liberia : 23 – Koulibaly, 11 – Pabai, 12 – Balde, 24 – Dweh, 22 – Teclar, 20 – Sangaré, 5 – Teah, 15 – Toe, 7 – Kumeh (2 – Ledlum, 66'), 3 – Sesay, – Gibson / Entr. :
M. Marinica
To immediately regain momentum after a boring and disappointing match in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (0-0), Vladimir Petković decided to field a completely new formation and supposed to be fresh in its approach. Guendouz was goalkeeper, Atal and Hadjam on the side, the defense still three, the midfield two but this time composed of Kendouci and the returning Chaïbi; the attack, finally, sank into the classic and we found a Mahrez and a Bounedjah well accustomed to the selection while Gouiri, usually up front, occupied a fairly hybrid role of winger who could swap.
A decent first half, but still punished by an error
Algeria enters correctly into a match that it already knows it is preparing to dominate head and shoulders. We quickly understand the intentions of Vladimir Petković, who relies on a 3-4-3 with real offensive full-backs.
Unfortunately, from the outset, the EN becomes weighed down. Waiting for a free kick, Hadjam saw his opponent open the scoring with a superb strike which ended in the top corner (5', 0-1).
The Greens are gradually waking up and the left side, where Hadjam is as dangerous offensively as he is crumbly defensively, is the origin of many interesting movements. It is also Amine Gouiri, for the occasion left winger (and frankly interesting) who delivers an almost decisive pass (unfortunately touched by the opposing goalkeeper) for Aïssa Mandi, scorer on the same day of his new selection record (1 -1, 19').
Mandi's goal
This same Gouiri, definitely still decisive in the selection, benefits from good work from Kendouci, also frankly at the level, to center and find the head of a Riyad Mahrez clearly on the upward slope in recent months (29', 2- 1).
Mahrez's goal
The almost chances will follow one after another, but without success. Algeria returns to the locker room with the advantage at the mark and movements at times pleasant.
A second period…
The second half resumes at a slow pace. The Greens are not particularly trying to speed up the game and their opponent simply cannot do so.
This low tempo continues until the hour mark when, finally, Algeria regains ambition and the desire to score. Baghdad Bounedjah, relatively clumsy until then, took advantage of yet another good action from Amine Gouiri (who hit the post with his shot) to, in turn, open his goal counter (3-1, 65').
Bounedjah's goal
Changes are made and immediately bear fruit: Amoura, who took Mahrez's place, is sent deep, gets ahead of the goalkeeper and crosses for Gouiri, decidedly exceptional with Algeria, who does not hesitate to score and aggravate the score (4-1, 74')
Gouiri's goal
Apart from a few offsides, we noted a great opportunity from Amoura, whose shot was unfortunately deflected at close range. This same Amoura will win, from his small size, a header duel but a Liberian save on the line will deprive him of scoring in his turn.
In the final seconds, superb work from Abdelli will finally allow Amoura to also put his name on the scoreboard (5-1, 90+4'). Gentlemen, you have paid a very nice tribute to Rachid Mekhloufi and to this new stadium!
Amoura's goal
DZfoot
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