As one of the most keenly anticipated fixtures in the next set of CAF 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, Algeria and Mozambique will battle it out for top spot in Group G in their matchday six game at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is at 11pm (CAT, GMT+2)
CURRENT FORM
Algeria powered their way to victory in their last World Cup qualifier after recording a 3-1 win against Botswana at the Francistown Stadium on Friday, 21 March. Goals by Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura (2), saw the Fennecs move to top spot in Group G.
Keeping up with the pace set by Algeria, Mozambique grabbed a 3-1 victory against Uganda at the Cairo International Stadium last time out.
Pepo (2) and Stanley Ratifo got their names on the scoresheet in their nation’s win over the Cranes, as Mozambique go into their next game level on points (12)with Algeria after five completed fixtures in Group G.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking on Algeria’s win against Botswana, coach Vladimir Petkovic believes his players responded in a professional manner despite the difficulties of playing while fasting.
"All the credit goes to the players. The conditions were very difficult in the middle of Ramadan, but my players responded. We managed the match well, as we got stronger as the game progressed,” Petkovic said.
"We have five games left, I told my players that we will have to play them like finals. I am confident for the future.”
With the Algeria tie in mind, Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde spoke of his side’s aspirations to qualify for the World Cup.
“Playing in the World Cup is a dream for the players, and as a coach, I would love to be there,” Conde said.
“Today, the number of teams qualifying for the World Cup has increased, and we have a dream. We will fight to achieve our goals with humility and respect for our opponents, regardless of their calibre.”
TEAM NEWS
Both Algeria and Mozambique have no injury concerns from their previous fixture and are expected to name their strongest XI’s for their crucial matchday six encounters.
Riyad Mahrez is expected to be Algeria’s attacker-in-chief on Tuesday, while Geny Catamo will look to add to his 10 goals in 22 games for the Mozambique national team.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Games – 2
Algeria wins – 2
Mozambique wins – 0
Draws - 0