Algeria’s Fennecs returned to victory on Saturday, June 4, for their entry into the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Thanks to goals from Aïssa Mandi then Youcef Belaïli, they dominated Uganda in Oran (2-0) in group F.
The last time Algeria tasted the CAN was during the final phase of the last edition, played in January-February 2022 in Cameroon. And it had gone very badly for the African champions, eliminated in the first round after a draw and two defeats. It will take time to wash away the affront, but the Algerians began this redemption operation in the best possible way on the first day of the qualifiers for the AFCON 2023.
At home, in Oran, the men of Djamel Belmadi dominated Uganda on Saturday 4 June. After two headed chances from Youcef Belaïli, the Fennecs found the fault in the aerial game in the 28th minute. On a center, Islam Slimani rose and took the leather of the head. His attempt crashed into the crossbar before returning straight to Aïssa Mandi. The defender, in front of the goal line, only had to push the ball into the back of the chest net.
Zeghba preserves Algeria, Belaïli walks
Widely dominating, with 81.5 per cent possession in the first act alone, the Algerians nearly saw their efforts come to naught when Egyptian referee Mr Mohamed Hussein awarded Cranes a penalty after seeing Rachid Ghezzal shoving an opponent in the area. However, the Fennecs goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba remained in the center of his cage and easily repelled the weak shot from Farouk Miya (33rd) with his feet.
Still in control after the break, Algeria controlled and ended up taking shelter in a very good way. Leaving from the left wing, the Brestois Belaïli signed a small number. The ball taped to the foot, the attacker slalomed and avoided five Ugandans before placing a precise and winning shot close to the post (80th). The Algerian selection takes the lead in group F alone ahead of Tanzania and Niger. On June 8, during the second day, Belmadi and his players will challenge the Tanzanians in Dar es Salaam, while Uganda will host the Nigeriens.
AFCON 2023: CALENDAR AND RESULTS OF THE ELIMINATORIES