Algeria secured a rather comfortable win in Egypt over Djibouti 4-0 and keeps its position at the top of their pool. The encounter was held today In Cairo Stadium, as part of the fourth round of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
Belmadi made some changes in the lineup before the kickoff, such resting ManCity winger, Ryad Mahrez, and changing the goalkeeper for Alexandre Oukidja and the left back Mohammed Halaimia.
These changes did not allow national squad to quickly control the encouter, as captain Sofiane fagouli’s team-mates needed time to adjust their tactics against a Djibouti team that held out for the first 20 minutes.
Youcef Belaili scored the opener for Algeria in the 29th minute before the second goal was added by Mohamed Benrahma in the 40th minute. They scored the third – through Sofiane Feghouli – just two minutes after Benrahma’s strike, to end the first half with a 3-0 scoreline.
Islam Slimani added the fourth late in the second half as he struck in the 86th minute to ensure they picked up another win on the road. The victory means they are on a 32-game unbeaten run as they are highly likely to make progress in the World Cup qualifiers.
While Burkina Faso, second on the log, fought back to draw 1-1 with Niger in Marakache Stadium in Morocco.
The Desert Foxes, who extended their unbeaten run to 32 games, have a two-point lead over Burkina Faso in Group A after the west Africans drew 1-1 with Niger.
With four wins in five games, Algeria are leading their pool with 13 points, two more than Burkina Faso, who will visit them for a game next week which carries high stakes. Algeria is keeping its unbeaten run going with 32 games, an African record, 5 games to reach the Italian team with 37 unbeaten run.
Algeria will receive Burkina Faso in a decisive clash in Blida on Tuesday. A draw will be enough to lift the Desert Foxes to the playoff.
ENTV 13/11/2021
