Algeria and Somalia are set to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaigns with a faceoff at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki on Thursday evening.
The home team is aiming for their fifth appearance at the prestigious football event, while the visitors are eyeing their first-ever World Cup participation.
Match Preview
Algeria recently secured a 1-1 draw against Egypt in a friendly match, maintaining their unbeaten streak of 11 matches since November 2022.
Despite falling behind, they managed to equalize in the second-half stoppage time, showcasing their resilience.
Ranked 163 places above their opponents in the FIFA rankings, Algeria has established their dominance on home soil, remaining unbeaten since March 2022.
Somalia, on the other hand, played out a goalless draw against Libya in their recent friendly, breaking an eight-game losing streak across all competitions.
However, their goal-scoring drought continues, and they are eager to secure a much-needed victory.
With Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani in top form, and Somalia’s Farhan Ahmed aiming to break the goal-scoring dry spell, the match promises to be an intriguing clash.
Team News
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani have been in impressive goal-scoring form, while Farhan Ahmed aims to end Somalia’s goal drought.
Keep an eye on Said Ahmed Said, set to make his 13th international appearance for Somalia.
