AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: A sluggish Algeria side edges past Togo!

Algeria laboured past Togo thanks to a captain’s header, with late heroics preserving a precious win in AFCON qualifying

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AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: A sluggish Algeria side edges past Togo!

14.11.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria

Togo

Algeria edged Togo 1-0 thanks to a header from captain Ramy Bensebaini, moving three points clear at the top of Group I in AFCON 2027 qualifying.

The Fennecs secured the result they needed at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on Saturday, 14 November, in the third round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying. Brahim Hemdani’s side, however, struggled to make their superiority count in a disappointing first half. Mohamed Amoura squandered a clear one-on-one chance against the Togolese goalkeeper, a missed opportunity that epitomised Algeria’s lack of composure in front of goal.

Bensebaini breaks the deadlock with a header

Algeria returned from half-time with greater urgency, using their wide players and combinations around the penalty area to stretch Togo’s defence. The breakthrough finally came when Ramy Bensebaini met an excellent cross towards the far post and powered a header home.

Himad Abdelli almost doubled the advantage with a superb long-range effort, only for Togo’s goalkeeper to produce an outstanding stop and keep the visitors within one goal.

Late heroics from Mastil and Bensebaini

The final minutes were nervy. In the 92nd minute, Melvin Mastil made a crucial save to deny Togo an equaliser. Then, following an Algerian turnover and a dangerous counterattack, Bensebaini intervened with a superb last-ditch tackle to protect the slender lead.

Abada was among Algeria’s standout performers and has a strong claim to the player-of-the-match accolade. Ibrahim Maza, by contrast, endured a difficult outing by his recent standards. The three points are welcome, but Algeria will need a sharper display in the return fixture.

AFCON 2027 qualifying: Algeria go clear at the top of Group I

Algeria now have seven points from three matches, three clear of Zambia (four), with Togo on three and Burundi on two. Zambia’s 1-1 draw with Burundi on Friday had already opened the door for the Fennecs to pull away.

Algeria and Togo meet again on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at 16:00 local time in Lomé (17:00 in Algeria) at the Kégué Stadium. The return game will give Hemdani’s side a chance to tighten their grip on Group I.

Group I standings after Matchday 3:

- Algeria: 7 points (3 played)
- Zambia: 4 points (3 played)
- Togo: 3 points (3 played)
- Burundi: 2 points (3 played)

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