Algeria aim to complete double over Zimbabwe

Djamel Belmadi, head coach of Algeria

Sunday Nov 15, 2020. 09:00

Algeria will be aiming to complete back-to-back wins over Zimbabwe when the two countries meet in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Harare’s National Sports Stadium on Monday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

The Desert Foxes defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in Algiers on Thursday to open a five point gap atop Group H after three rounds of fixtures. Goals from Baghdad Bounedjah, Sofiane Feghouli and Riyad Mahrez stretched Algeria’s unbeaten streak to 21 matches, a sequence which includes their run to the 2019 Afcon title. Tinotenda Kadewere scored the Warriors solitary goal.

Zimbabwe head coach Zdravko Logarusic was happy with his team’s performance in Algeria and is confident that they can build on that showing as they set their sights on a positive result in the reverse fixture.

“Obviously, I am disappointed by the result. I know we made some mistakes but we should have scored goals if we had taken our chances,” said Logarusic. “I will pick the positives going forward.

“I am happy that we managed to match the Algerians but they were able to finish their own chances while we failed. Although we have not been together with the team for some time, there are signs which are positive.

“We will try to get a result in Zimbabwe on Monday. I am happy with the overall performance of my team but disappointed with the result.”

Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi complimented Zimbabwe for their performance and was disappointed by Kadewere’s late consolation, but is confident that his team can claim another win in Harare on Monday.

“We should have killed the match, I would have liked an accomplished performance on the part of my team. The opponent was difficult to handle, they have good elements, ” Belmadi said.

“We are aiming for victory in Harare, even though we all know the mission there it will not be easy at all. We all know the difficult conditions of football matches across Africa.”