Desert Foxes tear Zebras apart to reclaim top spot
Algeria claimed a 3-1 win over Botswana in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Friday afternoon.
Therefore, the Desert Foxes climbed to the top of the G standings - level on points with second-placed Mozambique. Coach Vladimir Petkovic's side will be targeting another win when they host Mozambique on 25 March.
The Zebras, on the other hand, slipped down to the fourth spot after registering their third defeat in Group G. Coach Morena Ramoreboli will be keen to ensure that Botswana return to winning ways when they host Somalia on 25 March.
The deadlock was broken by the Desert Foxes when Amine Gouiri headed home Hicham Boudaoui's cross in the 44th minute. Algeria were leading 1-0 at the interval thanks to the Olympique Marseille striker's fifth goal for the Desert Foxes.
Gouiri became the provider after the restart as the 25-year-old played a delightful through pass for Mohamed Amoura, who made no mistake as he fired past on-rushing goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko to hand Algeria a 2-0 lead in the 52nd minute.
The Zebras pulled one back in the 70th minute after the Desert Foxes had failed to clear their lines. Tebogo Kopelang poked the ball home from close range after his initial attempt was blocked by Alexis Guendouz from a set-piece - making it 2-1.
However, the home crowd was silenced by Amoura in the 74th minute as the VFL Wolfsburg striker rounded Phoko before hitting the back of the net, with Youcef Belaili providing the assist, and Algeria held on to secure a 3-1 win on the day.
Botswana (0) 1 (Kopelang 70')
Algeria (1) 3 (Gouiri 44,' Amoura 52' 74')
Botswana: Phoko, Gaolaolwe, Velaphi, Johnson (Mangolo 81'), Kopelang, Baruti (Boy 61'), Mohutsiwa (Moyo 81'), Modingwane, Seakanyeng (Setsile 61'), Sesinyi (Keselebale 61'), Orebonye
Algeria: Guendouz, Atal (Touba 39'), Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri, Boudaoui, Zorgane (Chaibi 69'), Benzia (Kendouci 83'), Mahrez (Benrahma 69'), Gouiri (Belaili 69'), Amoura