2026 WCQ: Electric start, Amoura hat-trick carries Algeria past Mozambique

Algeria finished off a dominant week in Group G of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 4-1 victory at home in Tizi Ouzou to snatch top spot at the expense of Mozambique.

Mohamed Amoura scored twice for Les Verts, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the half hour mark. Amoura opened the scoring in the 8th minute when poor passing from the Mozambican defense led to a giveaway and Amoura's strike from an assist by Riyad Mahrez.

Aïssa Mandi doubled Algeria's lead in the 24th minute when a corner kick from Mahrez led to Rayan Aït-Nouri's shot. Saved by Mambas goalkeeper Ernan Siluane, the ball popped up for the experienced defender to apply the finish with a diving header.

It was an overwhelming first half performance from Algeria and the third goal arrived through the combination of Mahrez and Amoura again. Mahrez took down a long ball on the right wing with a sublime first touch and laid a perfect pass into the path of Amoura who finished with a sliding effort.

The visitors did restore some pride with Geny Catamo's excellent curling finish close to halftime. But the damage had already been done and Algeria showed no mercy in the second half.

Right back Jaouen Hadjam arrived at the far post in the 65th minute to head in a perfect cross from Amoura and then the Wolfsburg forward completed a Man of the Match performance with a shot that was deflected past Siluane.

Algeria still have work to do to secure top spot but Les Fennecs are looking in good form. Mozambique are now three points back of the group leaders but still maintain an advantage over Botswana and Uganda for the runner-up position.

Group G Table (6 matches played)

• The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

• Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.