Bensebaini leads Algeria past Togo to take top spot in Africa Cup of Nations Qualification

Algeria secured a valuable victory against Togo with a goal to nil in the match held at the Hussein Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, as part of the third round of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification for the 2027 finals.

The winning goal came from defender Ramy Bensebaini in the 76th minute, after the 'Desert Warriors' exerted continuous attacking pressure on Togo's defense, which held firm for long periods before conceding the only goal of the match.

The Algeria national team entered the match benefiting from the home advantage and the support of their fans, searching for a new victory to enhance their position in Group 9, having collected 4 points during the first two rounds, as they continue to compete strongly for a qualification spot in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification.

The hosts started the match with a fast attacking rhythm, dominating possession and threatening the opponent's goal from the early minutes, while the Togolese national team relied on defensive organization and attempted to exploit spaces in counter-attacks.

In the 12th minute, Algeria had an attempt through Moisés, who received a cross from Mazaa and advanced with the ball before shooting towards the goal, but the Togolese goalkeeper managed to save the attempt.

The Desert Warriors continued to apply pressure during the first half of the match, but the lack of a final touch prevented them from converting opportunities into goals, amid the strong defensive organization of the Togo national team.

Togo nearly surprised the hosts with a dangerous attack in the 33rd minute, before Algeria regained their advantage and continued their attacking attempts, but they were unable to change the score, ending the first half in a goalless draw.

With the start of the second half, Algeria continued their attacking momentum in search of a lead goal, and Mazaa wasted a precious opportunity in the 56th minute after failing to capitalize on the precise cross sent by Amine Gouiri.

Togo made a dangerous attempt in the 59th minute, when Koutoulaba rose to a cross inside the penalty area and directed a powerful header, but the ball went past the post.

In the 64th minute, Achref Abada intervened to save the Algeria national team from conceding a certain goal, after he cleared a dangerous ball following a corner kick, in a moment that maintained the draw between the two teams.

The Algerian pressure continued until the 76th minute, which brought the only goal of the match, as Ramy Bensebaini succeeded in finding the net against Togo, giving the hosts a lead of one goal to nil.

The Algerian national team tried to extend their lead in the closing minutes, but they wasted another opportunity in the 85th minute, before Amine Gouiri received a yellow card in the 88th minute, with the match ending in a 1-0 win for the 'Desert Warriors'.

With this victory, Algeria solidified their position at the top of Group Nine, raising their tally to 7 points, ahead of Zambia, who drew with Burundi 1-1, while Togo remained at 3 points, and Burundi stayed at the bottom with just 1 point.

This result gives the Algerian national team a strong boost in their qualification campaign and brings them a step closer to securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification 2027, scheduled to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.