Algeria crush Guinea-Bissau to reach 1XBET AFCON knockouts

By PM News

Algeria delivered a dominant and assured performance to defeat Equatorial Guinea 3-1 on Wednesday, securing qualification for the knockout stage of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations.

The Desert Foxes wasted little time asserting their authority, dictating the tempo with crisp passing and sustained pressure that kept their opponents pinned back for long spells.

Their early dominance paid dividends in the 19th minute when defender Zineddine Belaid rose highest to power home a bullet header from a well-delivered corner, giving Algeria a deserved lead.

Buoyed by the opener, Algeria continued to press with purpose and doubled their advantage six minutes later. Fares Chaibi produced a moment of individual brilliance, gliding past his marker before firing a precise strike under the crossbar, leaving Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono rooted to the spot.

The North Africans were relentless and effectively put the contest beyond doubt before the break. Ibrahim Maza made it 3–0 in the 32nd minute, leaping superbly to meet a cross and thumping a header into the roof of the net as Equatorial Guinea struggled to cope with Algeria’s pace and movement.

Equatorial Guinea emerged with renewed intent after the interval and were rewarded five minutes into the second half when veteran forward Emilio Nsue pulled one back with a thunderous effort that clipped the post before nestling in the net. The goal briefly lifted the hosts and injected urgency into their play.

However, Algeria’s composure and game management quickly came to the fore. They regained control of possession, limited Equatorial Guinea to speculative long-range efforts and continued to threaten on the counter.

Chaibi struck the crossbar with a powerful run and shot, while goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea remained largely untroubled as Algeria defended with discipline.

Tactical substitutions by Algeria’s bench helped maintain balance and intensity, ensuring the closing stages were comfortably managed despite a late flurry of set-piece pressure from Equatorial Guinea.

The emphatic victory confirms Algeria’s progression from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, underlining their credentials as serious contenders as the competition enters its decisive phase.