Algeria secured a convincing 2-0 win at home over Equatorial Guinea in the start of the African Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Algeria having performed below expectations at the 2023 AFCON began the quest for another opportunity to improve in the next edition.

It was a cagey start to both teams in the game as they failed to connect well in the early minutes.

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However, Equatorial Guinea almost stunned the hosts when Luis Asué’s shot went just wide of the right post in the 17th minute.

Five minutes later, Algeria were awarded a penalty
after Baghdag Bounedjah was fouled inside the area and the referee had no hesitation in awarding the penalty.

Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez failed to convert from the spot as he sent the ball over the goal in the 24th minute.

Both teams struggled to make any meaningful shot on target as the score remained tied.

However, Algeria goalkeeper, Anthony Mandrea was called into action in the added time of the first half after Equatorial Guinea Ivan Salvador fired a shot as the first half ended 0-0.

The pace of the game became even slower in the second half as both teams could bkt threaten each other goalkeeper.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 69th minute through Algerian midfielder Houssem Aouar who took advantage of a rebound left by goalkeeper Owono after Riyad Mahrez’s shot, and with a header he took the rebound and sent the ball into the back of the net.

Algeria finally buried the whole issue in addes fine when Amine Gouiri scored with a low finish after a through ball from Bensebainito see them take charge of Group E.