Published on : 08/06/2022 – 19:59
Already victorious over Uganda in the first match, the Algerian team made the pass of two on Wednesday June 8 by going to win in Tanzania by the same score (2-0). The Fennecs are alone at the top of group F of the CAN 2023 qualifiers. In the other match of this second day, Uganda and Niger remained back to back (1-1).
Only two days played in Group F qualifying for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, and Algeria is reassured. The work is of course not finished, but Djamel Belmadi and his players have made a good start, especially after the last two bitter failures (elimination in the first round of CAN 2022, defeat in the qualifying play-offs for the 2022 World Cup). The victory of the first day v Uganda at home (2-0) was confirmed outside this June 8th.
Bensebaini and Amoura make the difference for the Fennecs
At the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the visitors were able to show surgical efficiency during a fairly monotonous first half. While the Fennecs thought they would get a penalty before the break, it was on another stoppage that they found the fault. Youcef Belaïli kicked a free kick, Aïssa Mandi saved the ball with an aerial gesture, and Ramy Bensebaini opened the scoring with a header (45th + 2).
Thanks to the Borussia Mönchengladbach defender’s sixth international goal, Algeria took over Tanzania and found themselves in an ideal position. With this lead, she was able to manage more in the second half, playing more in defense and counter-attack. The lack of bite from the Tanzanian attackers made it easier for them. This strategy paid off because in the last moments, Mohamed Amoura launched the counterattack and first found the post before scoring the goal sealing the success of his team (89th).
Uganda barely advances, Niger fragile second
Earlier this Wednesday, June 8, Uganda received Niger, still as part of this second day of the Group F qualifiers. At home, at St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende in Entebbe, the Cranes wanted to redeem themselves after their inaugural defeat in Algeria. Their domination was rewarded at the end of the first period. While they had hitherto stumbled on Kassaly Daouda, the Nigerian goalkeeper, they were able to count on a twist of fate to unblock the situation. The unscrewed center of Milton Karisa lobbed the doorman (43rd).
But the Nigeriens resurfaced in a weak time of the meeting, approaching the last quarter of an hour. Mahamadou Sabo, at the entrance to the area, played the Ugandan defense before firing a very nice shot curled right into the top corner (71st). Forced to a draw, Uganda shares last place with Tanzania (1 point, one draw and one loss, -2 goal difference). Niger is second with 2 points. Algeria has already taken the lead with its 6 points on the clock. Next meetings: Algeria-Niger and Uganda-Tanzania, on the third day, currently scheduled for September.
CAN 2023 : CALENDRIER AND RESULTS OF QUALIFICATIONS