This second clash will take place at the Kégué stadium, in Lomé, on Monday October 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., Algiers time. A victory would allow Algeria to definitively seal its place for the CAN in Morocco. However, the Greens will have to show resilience on a pitch that they know less well than their opponent.
Details of the first leg between Algeria and Togo
During the first confrontation, Algeria was able to shine with an impressive score of 5-1, but this result does not completely reflect the nature of the match. Togo was able to worry the Algerian defense at several moments, in particular by scoring in the 11th minute of play. It was Thibault Klidje who took advantage of a disagreement between Mohamed Tougaï and goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz to score a surprising goal.
Algeria, although technically superior, was slow to react before Saïd Benrahma put the two teams back on level terms with a masterful strike. Subsequently, the Greens took the lead with a double from Benrahma and important contributions from Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed El Amine Amoura, without forgetting the young Ibrahim Maza, author of a key pass for the fifth goal.
The stakes of the return match
The return match in Togo will not be easy for Vladimir Petkovic’s men. The recently renovated Kégué stadium represents an intimidating setting for visiting teams. Algeria will have to show composure and maintain a solid defensive organization to counter possible Togolese offensives. Although the team showed great technical mastery in the first leg, the conditions on the road could complicate their task.
The probable eleven and the absences
For this meeting, Petkovic should repeat a pattern similar to that of the first leg. The probable eleven should see Alexis Guendouz in goal, with a defense composed of Aïssa Mandi, Mohamed Tougaï, and Rayan Aït Nouri. Mohamed Farsi, initially expected to start, could however miss this match after suffering an injury in training on October 11. Although the exact nature of the injury has not been specified, this absence poses a problem for the defensive balance of the Greens. Jaouen Hadjam, another key element of the group, is also out of this meeting.
In midfield, the trio Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki and Hicham Boudaoui should once again be aligned. Aouar, particularly efficient in recent outings, will be a major asset in distributing the game and stabilizing possession. In attack, we will unsurprisingly find Riyad Mahrez, the captain, alongside Mohamed El Amine Amoura and Saïd Benrahma, both authors of remarkable performances during the first leg.
Togo-Algeria: broadcast and practical information
Algerian fans will be able to follow this decisive match on several channels. In Algeria, the match will be broadcast on the ENTV National Program (on Nilesat), as well as on beIN SPORTS 1 (France) and Canal + Sport 1 Africa. In the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa), beIN SPORTS HD 2 will also broadcast the match. The enthusiasm for this match is immense, because a victory will almost ensure Algeria’s qualification for CAN 2025.
In short, Algeria has a golden opportunity to consolidate its place for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Fennecs, despite the notable absences of Hadjam and Farsi, will have to remain focused and determined to overcome the Togolese on their ground.
