Algeria have stamped their authority on African football once again, sealing a spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Somalia in the penultimate round of the qualifiers on Thursday night.
Under the bright lights of the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, the Desert Foxes showed why they remain one of the continent’s footballing powerhouses.
Forward Mohammed Amoura was the star of the evening, firing home a superb brace before captain Riyad Mahrez put the icing on the cake with a trademark finish that sent the home fans into a frenzy.
Coming into the encounter on 19 points, Algeria knew that victory would guarantee their passage to the global showpiece in Mexico, Canada, and the USA and they did it in style.
The win not only secured Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance but also underlined their resurgence on the international stage after missing out in 2018.
Their qualification journey has been one of consistency and flair, marked by a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents.
With this triumph, Algeria joins North African giants Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as the first four African nations to punch their tickets to next year’s grand football carnival.
As the Desert Foxes prepare to wrap up their campaign with a home clash against Uganda on October 14, the mood in Algiers is one of pride, anticipation, and renewed belief that this generation could surpass the glorious run of 2014, when Algeria reached the Round of 16 in Brazil.
