Algeria claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Togo in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group I encounter at Stade Hocine Ait Ahmed on Saturday, November 14, with Ramy Bensebaini scoring the decisive goal in the second half.
The defender's 76th-minute header proved enough to separate the two sides after Algeria endured a frustrating evening against a determined Togolese team that defended resolutely and created several opportunities of its own.
Algeria began the match on the front foot, with Fares Chaibi threatening twice inside the opening six minutes. The midfielder first sent a long-range effort over the crossbar before seeing another attempt blocked by the visiting defence.
Anis Hadj Moussa also tested Togo goalkeeper Malcolm Barcola in the 12th minute, forcing him into a save from distance as the hosts continued searching for an early breakthrough.
Despite Algeria's attacking pressure, Togo remained organised and looked dangerous whenever they ventured forward. Kevin Denkey and Djene Dakonam both had efforts blocked during the opening stages, demonstrating the visitors' willingness to challenge the home side.
Mohamed Amoura came close to opening the scoring in the 23rd minute after receiving a through ball from Mohamed Azzi, but the forward dragged his right-footed effort narrowly wide of the target.
Hadj Moussa tried his luck again five minutes later with an ambitious strike from distance, although his effort also missed the target.
Algeria continued to dominate attacking possession, but Togo's defensive discipline made it difficult for the hosts to create clear opportunities inside the penalty area.
Amine Gouiri saw a promising attempt blocked in the 32nd minute, while Barcola remained alert whenever Algeria managed to get shots on target.
Togo nearly punished the hosts shortly before half-time when Henri Koudossou forced goalkeeper Melvin Mastil into a save with an effort from outside the penalty area.
Gouiri had an opportunity to give Algeria the lead during first-half stoppage time, but his header from Nabil Bentaleb's delivery went narrowly wide.
The two teams entered the interval level at 0-0, leaving Algeria with work to do after failing to convert their chances.
The second half began with both sides showing greater attacking urgency. Ibrahim Maza attempted to break the deadlock for Algeria, while Togo responded through Dermane Karim and Pierre Nadjombe.
Nadjombe forced Mastil into an important save in the 53rd minute after receiving a pass from Denkey, reminding the hosts that the visitors remained a genuine threat.
Maza subsequently wasted two opportunities for Algeria, sending one effort over the crossbar before narrowly missing the top corner with another attempt from outside the box.
Togo striker Kodjo Laba also threatened, heading wide in the 59th minute before missing another opportunity from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.
With the match still goalless, Algeria introduced fresh attacking options in an attempt to change the contest.
Saadi Radouani replaced Azzi in the 63rd minute, while Himad Abdelli and Adil Boulbina entered the match four minutes later in place of Chaibi and Amoura.
The substitutions helped Algeria maintain their attacking pressure as the hosts pushed forward in search of the opening goal.
Abdelli and Bentaleb both attempted shots from distance, but neither managed to trouble Barcola as the match approached its final stages.
Togo nearly took the lead in the 75th minute when Laba found space inside the Algeria penalty area following a counterattack, but his left-footed effort went wide.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Algeria broke the deadlock just one minute later.
Hadj Moussa delivered an accurate cross following a corner, allowing Bensebaini to rise inside the six-yard box and guide a header into the bottom-right corner.
The goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and finally rewarded Algeria's persistence after more than an hour of unsuccessful attacking efforts.
Togo attempted to respond immediately, but Algeria remained composed defensively while continuing to create opportunities at the opposite end.
Abdelli forced Barcola into another save in the 86th minute, while substitute Fares Ghedjemis had a shot blocked as the hosts looked to extend their advantage.
The visitors came close to finding an equaliser during stoppage time when Laba managed to get a shot away from close range, but Mastil reacted quickly to preserve Algeria's narrow lead.
Ghedjemis had one final opportunity for Algeria in the closing moments, although Barcola comfortably dealt with his effort.
The final whistle confirmed a valuable 1-0 victory for Algeria, with Bensebaini's goal securing all three points in a tightly contested qualifying encounter.
Hadj Moussa played an important role in the result, providing the decisive assist and consistently testing Togo's defensive organisation throughout the match.
Mastil also made crucial saves to ensure Algeria finished the encounter with a clean sheet, particularly during the closing stages when Togo pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
For Togo, the defeat was disappointing after a disciplined performance that kept Algeria frustrated for much of the contest. Barcola's goalkeeping and the defensive contributions of Kennedy Boateng and Lilian Brassier helped the visitors remain competitive.
Algeria will take confidence from securing maximum points despite struggling to convert their attacking opportunities, while Togo must regroup ahead of their remaining qualification fixtures.
The result strengthens Algeria's campaign as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
