Algeria maintained their unbeaten run and stayed top of Group I in the CAN 2027 qualifiers after Ramy Bensebaini’s 76th-minute header secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Togo in Tizi Ouzou.
The result was harsh on Patrice Neveu’s side, who defended with discipline for more than an hour and repeatedly frustrated the group leaders. Togo will now need to produce a strong performance in the return fixture in Lome if they are to respond.
Togo frustrate Algeria
The Eperviers showed from the start that they had no intention of simply containing the damage against Algeria in the third round of qualifying.
Organised under Neveu, Togo formed a compact defensive unit that limited the space available to the hosts. Djene Dakonam and Lilian Brassier were central to that resistance, while Algeria’s attacking options struggled to find openings.
Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura were regularly targeted by their team-mates, but neither could consistently escape the attention of Togo’s well-drilled defence.
Algeria controlled much of the play, yet their dominance did not translate into clear chances. The Fennecs were forced to remain patient as Togo defended every attack with determination, and the opening half ended goalless to the frustration of the home support.
Bensebaini provides the breakthrough
The hosts increased the pressure after the interval and took greater control of possession. Algeria finished with 73% of the ball, but Togo continued to resist and appeared capable of taking the contest deep into the second half without conceding.
That resistance finally ended in the 76th minute. Anis Hadj Moussa delivered the ball into a dangerous area, where Algeria captain Bensebaini met it with an emphatic header that beat the Togo goalkeeper.
The goal changed the tone of the match. Algeria were able to manage their lead during the closing stages, while Togo were left to reflect on a performance in which they had pushed the favourites close.
For the Eperviers, the defeat represents a setback but also underlines their ability to compete with an Algeria side considered stronger on paper.
The return match will take place on 17 November at Stade de Kegue in Lome. Togo will have home advantage and an opportunity to turn their disappointment into motivation as they attempt to revive their qualifying campaign.
Algeria, meanwhile, continue to lead Group I and remain unbeaten. However, their narrow success has shown that they can expect another demanding encounter when the teams meet again in Lome, with Togo determined to respond in front of their own supporters.