He scored the profitable purpose in deadly time. Riyad Mahrez leads Algeria to overhaul Niger in African Nations qualifiers | sport

Riyad Mahrez led the Algerian nationwide workforce to a tough and late victory over Niger, on the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, within the third spherical of qualifying for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Côte d ‘Ivory.

The ‘Desert Warriors' determined the conflict a minute earlier than the ultimate whistle, due to Riyad Mahrez's purpose, figuring out that the Niger nationwide workforce completed the primary half in entrance with an unanswered purpose, earlier than that the bosses don't rise within the second half.

Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi used one of many new faces he invited, Rayan Ait Nouri, as a part of the beginning line-up.

Followers in attendance anticipated the Algerian nationwide workforce to placed on a strong present in an effort to restore consideration after stumbled twice towards Sweden and Mali in a pleasant match final November, however parts of the workforce failed to increase their management over a modest competitor and the efficiency appeared substandard.

The Niger nationwide workforce took the initiative to attain within the thirty eighth minute, after the confusion within the Algerian nationwide protection and the poor exit of goalkeeper Antoine Mandrea, Daniel Sousa subsequently scored the primary purpose for the visitors.

Belmadi made quite a lot of modifications early within the second half, together with one which pushed Al-Sadd's Qatari striker Baghdad Bounedjah.

Bounedjah – again within the ranks of the Algerian nationwide workforce after a yr's absence – managed to assist alter the scoreline within the 54th minute, courtesy of a header that Niger defender Rahim Al-Hassan by chance accomplished into his personal internet after a cross go from Youssef Blaili.

The Algerian nationwide workforce equalized in a bid to by chance signal Niger defender Rahim Al-Hassan in his nation's purpose 😮#Africa_Nations_Coupe_Qualifiers #Algeria #Niger pic.twitter.com/D1gkCDHzyA

– beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 23, 2023

Within the 79th minute, Mahdi Leiris despatched a cross go, which was met by Riyad Mahrez with a header, which the crossbar returned to return to Bounedjah, who performed a header which was faraway from the purpose line by a Nigerian defender.

Substitute Badr Eddine Bouanani gently handed the ball to captain Mahrez, who laid it down simply, a lot to everybody's delight within the penultimate minute of the match.

The 2 groups will meet within the second leg subsequent Monday at Radès, Tunis, after the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) refused to permit play in Niger.

Riyad Mahrez guides Algeria to the second purpose after an enthralling go from Gomorrah 🇩🇿👌⚽️#Africa_Nations_Coupe_Qualifiers #Algeria #Niger pic.twitter.com/ooivc8G6u2

– beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) March 23, 2023

The Algerian nationwide workforce took their rating to 9 factors on the prime of group F, whereas Niger remained, with solely two factors, in second place.