Algeria finished their group E campaign at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco with a resounding 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday, SportPremi Reports.
The Desert Warriors dominated the first half of the clash and scored three times in a one-sided affair.
Zineddine Belaid, Fares Chaibi and Ibrahim Maza put their names on the scoresheet, while Emilio Nsue grabbed a consolation for Equatorial Guinea in the second half.
First half: Algeria score thrice in superb first half performance
Algeria had won their opening two matches and already sealed top spot in the group ahead of their final match against the already-eliminated Equatorial Guinea who were winless in both of their matches.
The Desert Warriors started brightly and grabbed the lead in the 19th minute as Zineddine Belaid headed into the net after a corner kick.
Fares Chaibi doubled the advantage six minutes later with a brilliant individual effort as Algeria were cruising to another victory.
It became three in the 32nd minute as Ibrahim Maza scored a well-placed header into the top corner as Algeria took a commanding three-goal advantage into the break.
Second half: Nsue scores consolation for Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea started the half brightly and pulled one back five minutes after the restart through Emilio Nsue.
The 2023 AFCON Golden boot winner scored a spectacular effort that went in off the post for his first goal in Morocco.
Chaibi almost had his second of the game, but his amazing effort in the 63rd minute struck the crossbar.
The game ended 3-1 in favour of Algeria who advance from the group with a 100% record after winning all three of their group matches.
Players Ratings:
Equatorial Guinea Players Ratings
- Owono – 5.6/10
- Anieboh – 5.6/10
- Obiang – 5.5/10
- Coco – 6.1/10
- Ondo – 5.6/10
- Balboa – 6.8/10
- Mascarell – 5.6/10
- Garnet – 6.8/10
- Sam – 5.9/10
- Nsue – 7.6/10
- Ondo – 6.0/10
Substitutes
- Machin – 6.2/10
- Salvador – 6.2/10
- Ngaah – 6.3/10
- Esono – 6.2/10
Algeria Players Ratings
- Mandrea – 7.0/10
- Ait Nouri – 7.4/10
- Tougai – 6.8/10
- Belaid – 8.0/10
- Belghali – 6.8/10
- Chaibi – 8.8/10
- Abdelli – 7.7/10
- Zerrouki – 7.4/10
- Hadj Moussa – 8.6/10
- Maza – 8.9/10
- Bakrar – 7.0/10
Substitutes
- Atal – 6.9/10
- Dorval – 6.3/10
- Mandi – 6.2/10
- Zorgane – 6.0/10
- Kebbal – 6.2/10
Man of the match
Ibrahim Maza (8.9/10) – The Algerian forward grabbed a goal and an assist to lead his side to victory in the absence of Riyad Mahrez.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: E. Guinea 45% – 55% Algeria
Total Shots: E. Guinea 9 – 16 Algeria
Shots on target: E. Guinea 3 – 6 Algeria
Pass Accuracy: E. Guinea 87% – 91% Algeria
Corners: E. Guinea 4 – 5 Algeria
What Next?
Algeria finished top of Group E and will now face DR Congo, who finished second in their group, in the round of 16 on the 6th of January in Rabat.
