AFCON Qualifiers: Mahrez Stars For Algeria To Defeat Niger In First Leg

Algeria maintained their perfect winning record in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group F by defeating Niger 2-1 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki on Friday morning.

Despite the loss, Niger still remained second in the group, while Algeria opened a seven-point lead at the top of the standings with three matches remaining.

The Desert Foxes dominated the match from the start, but couldn't create many clear-cut chances as they gave away possession in the final third at times but that didn't stop them as they got the much-needed equalizer in the 54th minute when Abdel Rahim Alhassane netted an own goal under pressure from Baghdad Bounedjah.

After restoring parity, the hosts kept up the pressure, and Riyad Mahrez was denied at the near post by goalkeeper Mohamadou Djibo in the 77th minute.

Mahrez also hit the crossbar with a header in the 79th minute. However, the Manchester City winger finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute, turning the ball home from close range to seal Algeria's 2-1 victory over Niger with substitute Badredine Bouanani providing the assist.

The two teams are set to meet again at Niger's temporary home ground, Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Rades, Tunisia on Monday, where Niger will be looking to avenge the defeat to the Desert Foxes.

The win has put Algeria in a strong position to qualify for the AFCON tournament, while Niger still has a chance to progress to the tournament with three matches left to play.