Riyad Mahrez led Algeria to a 3-0 win over Somalia, serving to them turn into the fourth African workforce to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The previous Manchester Metropolis and Leicester Metropolis star arrange Mohamed Amoura’s early purpose with a cross, then scored a strong half-volley himself within the nineteenth minute.
Mahrez, who was workforce captain, impressed once more within the second half by aiding Amoura’s second purpose 12 minutes after the break. Each gamers have been taken off shortly after.
Algeria virtually scored extra objectives, with Youcef Belaili hitting the publish. The house crowd in Oran celebrated loudly on the remaining whistle.
With this win, Algeria have secured first place in Group G with one recreation nonetheless to play. They may return to the World Cup for the primary time since 2014, once they misplaced to Germany within the final 16.
Though Somalia have been the house workforce on paper, the match was performed in Algeria as a result of Somalia doesn’t have an appropriate stadium for worldwide matches.
Algeria now be part of Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which is able to happen in North and Central America.
Zidane’s Son Known as Up
Luca Zidane, son of French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, stayed on the bench after switching from France to Algeria. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who has Algerian grandparents, mentioned his household supported his determination.
“My grandfather is proud I selected Algeria,” he mentioned earlier than the sport.
Group G: Uganda Near Second Place
Uganda moved nearer to second place in Group G after beating Botswana 1-0. Jude Ssemugabi scored the profitable purpose with a header from a nook within the second half.
Uganda now have a three-point lead over Mozambique, who misplaced 2-1 at residence to Guinea. Uganda even have a a lot better purpose distinction.
Within the remaining group matches on Monday, Uganda play Algeria away, and Mozambique go to Somalia.
Solely the highest workforce from every group qualifies instantly, and solely 4 of the very best second-place groups from the 9 teams will go into the African play-offs. The play-off winner will then play in a remaining qualifier towards a workforce from one other continent.
Group H: Liberia Nonetheless within the Race
Liberia saved their hopes alive with a 3-1 residence win towards Namibia.
They began quick, scoring two objectives within the first 9 minutes via a penalty by Ayouba Kosiah and a purpose from Mamadu Bah. Edward Ledlum added a superb third purpose late within the recreation. Namibia scored a late comfort purpose via David Ndeunyema.
Namibia are nonetheless second within the group with 15 factors, only one forward of Liberia.
Within the remaining video games on Monday, Namibia will face group winners Tunisia, whereas Liberia journey to Equatorial Guinea.
Hassle in Equatorial Guinea
Malawi’s match towards Equatorial Guinea was cancelled as a consequence of sudden journey issues confronted by the away workforce.
Equatorial Guinea’s soccer physique later mentioned head coach Juan Micha had been suspended after he and a few senior gamers refused to journey. Assistant coach Casto Nopo will lead the workforce in Monday’s recreation towards Liberia.
Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and Malawi may nonetheless end second, relying on how outcomes go. The African soccer physique (CAF) has not but mentioned whether or not the cancelled match will likely be rescheduled.
The second-last spherical of Africa’s World Cup group matches ends on Friday. Large groups like Senegal and Ivory Coast may safe qualification if outcomes go their means.
