Algeria qualify for World Cup with win over Somalia
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Supporters of Algeria celebrating with flares during the World Cup qualifier against Somalia in Oran, Algeria, on Oct 9. Algeria won 3-0 to seal a berth at the tournament.
PHOTO: EPA
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CAPE TOWN – Algeria added their name to the list of World Cup qualified teams on Oct 9, the fourth African side to book a berth at the 2026 Finals in North America, after a comfortable 3-0 win over Somalia.
Mohamed Amoura netted twice – taking his goals tally in the qualifying campaign to eight – while captain Riyad Mahrez also scored.
Victory for Algeria advanced them to an unassailable 22 points with one match still to play in Group G. It will mark their fifth World Cup Finals appearance, and their first since Brazil 2014.
The winner of each of the nine African groups qualifies automatically for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Algeria will join the already qualified Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.
“This is one of my finest qualifications. When I arrived, everything was difficult, but we managed to regain calm and composure to get back on track,” said Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic.
“We managed to make this match look easy. Even in such a crucial clash, we were able to enjoy ourselves on the pitch. I won’t be celebrating this qualification too much. We have to keep our feet on the ground. We’ve put in a lot of effort, but there’s still progress to be made.”
The fixture was a home game for Somalia, but because they do not have a suitable venue for international matches, it was hosted in Oran, handing Algeria the chance to celebrate qualification in front of a packed house at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium.
Uganda consolidated second spot in the group with a 1-0 victory in Botswana as Jude Ssemugabi netted early in the second half at Francistown.
The four best runners-up across the nine groups will advance to a play-off in November for a possible additional slot for Africa at the 2026 World Cup.
Namibia’s chances of securing one of the play-off berths were handed a blow by a 3-1 loss away to Liberia.
Tunisia had already secured top spot in Group H in September with Namibia staying second on 15 points, one more than Liberia.
Also on Oct 9, Kenya won 1-0 away in Burundi, with substitute Ryan Ogam scoring a late winner in the Group F clash.
Burundi played with 10 men for all but the first five minutes of the match after striker Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Kenya goalkeeper Brian Bwire, who was injured and had to be replaced.
The final round of the qualifiers will be staged from Oct 12 to 14. REUTERS
