This will be the second meeting between these two nations this year, with the last one ending 5-0 in favour of Algeria in the semi-final of the African Nations Championship back in January.
Algeria play host to Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Stade Nelson Mandela on Thursday night. This will be the second meeting between these two nations this year, with the last one ending 5-0 in favour of Algeria in the semi-final of the African Nations Championship back in January. The Desert Warriors went on to lose the title decider against Senegal 5-4 on penalties after both sides failed to find the back of the net in 120 minutes of play. Niger, meanwhile, suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Madagascar in the third place playoff match.
Ramadan nights, under the lights. 💫🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/K8s6E1o75I
— Dean Ammi (@AlgerianFooty) March 6, 2023
Algeria have made a strong start to their AFCON qualification campaign, recording back-to-back wins in their opening two games against Uganda and Tanzania, scoring four goals and conceding none during those matches. The Desert Warriors have lost just two of their last ten outings in all competitions, and one of those defeats came in the final of the Africa Nations Championship against Senegal in February this year. Prior to that, the Greens put five goals past Thursday’s opponents without reply in the semi-final of the competition, thanks to Aimen Mahimous’ brace, one goal each from Ayoub Abdellaoui and Sofian Bayazid, and Abdoulaye Katakore’s own goal.
Niger, on the other hand, finished fourth in the Africa Nations Championship after losing the third place playoff against Madagascar, courtesy of Jean Razafindrakotos’s lone goal in the 89th-minute. Nevertheless, Menas had an impressive tournament, getting the better of Cameroon in the group stage, before defeating Ghana in the last eight stage. As of now, their major target is to secure a first AFCON qualifying victory, having shared the spoils in the first two matches, against Tanzania and Uganda.
Algeria Probable Lineup: Oukidja, Mandi, Bensebaini, Touba, Tougai, Bennacer, Bentaleb, Zerrouki, Belaili, Mahrez, Slimani
Niger Probable Lineup: Tanja, Katkore, Diori, Karim, Alhassane, Mohamed, Diabate, Moumouni, Adebayor, Wonkoye, Djibrilla
Algeria
Opponents | Score |
Senegal | 1(4)-(5)1 (L) |
Niger | 5-0 (W) |
Ivor Coast | 1-0 (W) |
Mozambique | 0-1 (W) |
Ethiopia | 1-0 (W) |
Niger
Opponents | Score |
Madagascar | 0-1 (L) |
Algeria | 5-0 (L) |
Ghana | 2-0 (W) |
Cameroon | 1-0 (W) |
Congo | 0-0 (D) |
Last 5 match-results | Score |
Algeria beat Niger | 5-0 |
Algeria beat Niger | 2-0 |
Algeria beat Niger | 1-0 |
Algeria beat Niger | 0-4 |
Algeria beat Niger | 6-1 |
The Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Algeria and Niger will take place at Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday at 2:30 am IST.
Algeria vs Niger | Key Details |
Date | March 23 (Algeria) |
Venue | Nelson Mandela Stadium |
Kickoff time in Algeria | 10:00 pm (Thursday) |
Kickoff time in Niger | 10:00 pm (Thursday) |
Kickoff time in India | 2:30 am (Friday) |
The live telecast of the match will be available of beIN Sports network and TOD in Algeria. Besides, those in Niger can catch the live action via SuperSport network and DStv now.