Algeria extended their perfect record at the ongoing Africa Cup Of Nations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Guinea in the round of 16. Algeria are unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal in this year’s tournament and cemented their position as favorites with yet another dominant display.
The Desert Foxes should have been ahead in the 20th-minute through Baghdad Bounedjah but the tall striker somehow managed to miss the target when he only had the better to beat. Algeria’s right back Youcef Attal, who is fast becoming a revelation in this years tournament had played a beautiful over the top ball to set Baghdad up.
The North Africans would however not be denied minutes later. Baghdad was again involved, his clever ball to Mohamed Youcef Belaili and the striker made no mistake from 6 yards out to slot the ball into the net.
Guniea were simply not at the races in the first half and should have conceded more but Algeria was a little careless with the final ball on two very good counter-attacking situations. The West Africans were missing Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita and as a result, lacked the control in midfield that he offers.
Manchester City winger Riya Mahrez added to Algeria’s advantage with a neatly taken goal just 10 minutes after the restart. Ismael Bennacer’s cross from the left was matched by Mahrez’s delicate touch and finish to leave Guinea with a mountain to climb.
Adam Ounas added gloss to the victory with a simple tap in the 82nd minuted. The result now means that Algeria is the only team with a perfect record at the tournament winning all 4 of their matches and scoring 9 goals in the process.
Up next or the North Africans is a quarterfinal showdown with the winner between Mali and the Ivory Coast.