The opening matches of World Cup qualifying for African national teams were postponed as CAF figures out a more efficient Covid-19 testing protocol, but many teams were in action to experiment and explore answers to pressing questions for when the important games start up in September. Check out Pan-Africa Football’s evaluations and progress reports for the African senior national teams who were active during the international break below:
5 Stars
Algeria
Results: 4-1 Win v. Mauritania, 1-0 Win v. Mali, 2-0 Win v. Tunisia, v. Burundi on 16 June
With new combinations being tried out by managers, it is rare for international friendlies to go perfectly, but Algeria achieved near perfection during the break. Sluggish first half performances against Mauritania and Mali gave way to improved second halves with increased efficiency in the attack. Manager Djamel Belhadi implemented different combinations, particularly in the midfield, and managed to experiment while still having his side show the class that has made them arguably the best African senior national team since international football returned from the pandemic. Their most recent win against Tunisia was the culmination of progress shown over the international break with a devastating first half providing victory for the Fennecs over their neighbors and rivals.
4 Stars
