World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Algeria defeats Botswana and strengthens its lead at the top | OneFootball

The Fennecs claim victory in Tizi Ouzou and extend their lead at the top of Group G.

Fennecs / Algeria

Algeria defeated Botswana 3-1 on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, during Matchday 7 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Fennecs dominated proceedings and consolidated their grip on first place in Group G.

The match kicked off under Algerian control, with Mohamed Amoura, Riyad Mahrez, and Amine Gouiri leading the charge. The Fennecs quickly set the tempo on the Tizi Ouzou pitch, monopolizing possession deep in the opposition half. Their territorial dominance paid off in the 33rd minute with a superb header from Mohamed Amoura. The Wolfsburg striker capitalized on a perfect cross from Ramy Bensebaini on the left flank to open the scoring with a thunderous header under the crossbar.

Botswana, trailing but still determined, took advantage of a lapse in the Algerian defense to get back in the game. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Tebogo Kopelang popped up at the far post to head home a free kick from Mothusi Johnson, leveling the score. The Botswana defender, completely unmarked, directed his header past Alexis Guendouz, resetting the contest.

After the break, coach Vladimir Petkovic made a game-changing triple substitution in the 67th minute, bringing on Baghdad Bounedjah, Saïd Benrahma, and Youcef Belaïli for Amine Gouiri, Riyad Mahrez, and Houssem Aouar. The changes paid immediate dividends as Baghdad Bounedjah restored Algeria's lead in the 72nd minute. The Al-Sadd striker was perfectly positioned at the far post to turn in a Mohamed Amoura cross with a clinical side-footed finish past Goitseone Phoko.

The former Étoile du Sahel striker wasn't done yet. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Baghdad Bounedjah sealed Algeria's victory by netting his second goal of the night.

This victory gives Algeria a provisional six-point cushion over Mozambique, their closest rival in the standings. The Fennecs now have 18 points after seven matches and can see World Cup 2026 qualification coming into sharper focus. Botswana remains stuck in third place with 9 points, and their hopes of qualifying have taken a significant hit.