Algeria faced Mozambique in a pivotal match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on March 25, 2025, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. With Algeria leading Group G and Mozambique as their closest rival, the stakes were high for both teams. As the crowd filled the 50,000-seat stadium, the Fennecs aimed to solidify their position at the top, following a recent 3-1 victory against Botswana just days prior.
Under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria entered the field with determination, fielding a strong lineup featuring goalkeeper Guendouz, captain Riyad Mahrez, and top scorer Mohamed Amoura. Mozambique, coached by Chiquinho Conde, countered with their key players, including captain Reinildo and rising star Geny Catamo.
The match kicked off at 22:00 local time and saw Algeria quickly impose their rhythm. Within the first ten minutes, Amoura found the back of the net, scoring in the 8th minute after receiving a precise pass from Mahrez. This early goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and set the tone for the match.
Just minutes later, Aïssa Mandi doubled the lead for Algeria in the 24th minute. Following a corner that had been poorly dealt with by the Mozambican defense, Mandi headed the ball home, sending Algeria to a commanding 2-0 advantage. The Fennecs were in complete control, displaying a mix of skill and aggression as they pushed for more goals.
Amoura struck again in the 30th minute, completing his brace and reinforcing Algeria’s dominance with a neat finish after a slick build-up involving Mahrez. Within just 30 minutes, Algeria led 3-0, showcasing their attacking prowess against Mozambique.
However, as the first half progressed, Mozambique finally managed to break through Algeria's defense. In the 40th minute, Catamo scored for Mozambique, reducing the deficit to 3-1 with a precise shot that found the top corner. The goal, while a moment of joy for the visitors, did little to reshape the narrative of the game.
As the second half began, Algeria maintained their composure and continued to control possession. The match demonstrated a lively tactical exchange, with Petkovic's men effectively managing the game while stifling Mozambique's attempts to create further scoring opportunities. The plight of the Mambas was evident, as they struggled to mount a significant response.
The Algerian side continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off once more. Late in the match, the scoreboard reflected a 4-1 victory with another goal from Mandi, who capitalized on a misjudged clearance from Mozambique's defense. This goal cemented the victory for Algeria and showcased their attacking strength throughout the match.
In the end, the match concluded with a commanding 4-1 score in favor of Algeria—a significant step towards their qualification for the World Cup 2026. The win marked an important moment not only in terms of points but also in elevating the morale of the squad. With the top spot secured, Algeria now looks forward to their subsequent challenges, while Mozambique exits the field recognizing the gaps that need to be addressed.
