Football: Algeria beat Togo 1-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Afrik-Foot, Africa Top Sports and Le Quotidien d'Oran
The Fennecs beat Togo 1-0 on Saturday in Tizi Ouzou in AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The winning goal was scored by Ramy Bensebaïni in the 76th minute from a corner, according to Afrik-Foot. Coach Brahim Hemdani considers the victory insufficient and warns his players that the return match in Lomé will be more difficult.
The Sparrowhawks defended deep in a well-organised shape and sought to strike on the counter, which held the Fennecs back for a long time. Coach Brahim Hemdani, speaking after the match, had nevertheless warned his players about this difficulty: they had to build up play while preventing the Togolese from breaking forward on the counter, and some situations were difficult.
Hemdani particularly regrets a lack of verticality and speed in reaching the final 30 metres, and believes his team did not exploit its potential that evening. The pitch, which he considered slightly greasy, also made changes of direction and footing more difficult.
The return match will take place on Tuesday in Lomé, for the fourth round. Hemdani expects an even more difficult match, with playing conditions there significantly less favourable. Algeria, now alone at the top of Group I, will have to confirm its position away from home.
