Algeria overcome Botswana with second-half surge in World Cup qualifier

Algeria secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Botswana on Thursday at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, keeping their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly on track.

The match, played on Matchday 7 of the African qualifiers, was a lively contest that tested the resilience of Vladimir Petkovic’s side. After a balanced first half, the Fennecs relied on the spark of substitutes, with Baghdad Bounedjah making the decisive impact.

Algeria dominated the early stages and found their breakthrough in the 32nd minute. Mohamed Amine Amoura, lively throughout, rose to meet Ramy Bensebaini’s precise cross and powered home a header to open the scoring.

Le but d’Amouraaaaaa pic.twitter.com/0aFJpEl3yM

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) September 4, 2025

However, Botswana struck back just before halftime. A lapse in concentration from the Algerian backline allowed defender Tebogo Kopelang to escape his marker from a set piece in the 43rd minute, beating goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz to level the score at 1-1.

L’égalisation du Botswana. pic.twitter.com/ZNpo1wd66a

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) September 4, 2025

Sensing the need for change, Petkovic made a bold triple substitution in the 67th minute. Baghdad Bounedjah replaced Amine Gouiri, Youcef Belaïli came on for Houssem Aouar, and Said Benrahma entered in place of captain Riyad Mahrez. The move proved decisive.

Only four minutes later, Algeria restored their lead. Benrahma threaded a clever pass to Amoura, who drove into the right flank before delivering a perfect assist for Bounedjah. The striker calmly slotted past the goalkeeper in the 71st minute to put Algeria ahead.

Le superbe but de Bounedjah ! pic.twitter.com/Xf8zbll43o

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) September 4, 2025

Deep into stoppage time, Bounedjah struck again. This time, it was Belaili providing the final ball inside the penalty area, leaving the forward with a simple finish to seal the win.

Le doublé de Bounedjah ! pic.twitter.com/wQBI8g9nsg

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) September 4, 2025

Despite a few nervous defensive moments late on, Algeria ensured the three points were theirs.

The victory lifts Algeria to 18 points from seven games, with six wins and one defeat, moving them closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Algeria and Botswana’s Group G standings:

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