Algeria hit Central African Republic for eight as Ivory Coast seize control against DR Congo

Algeria moved to within reach of the third qualifying round for the 2028 Olympic Games after an emphatic 8-0 victory over the Central African Republic in the first leg of their second-round tie.

Playing as the away side at Algiers’ Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 because their opponents do not have an approved stadium, Farid Benstiti’s team settled the contest before half-time.

The Central African Republic captain turned Morgane Belkhiter’s low cross from the right into her own net in the 21st minute, giving Algeria the lead.

Marine Dafeur doubled the advantage six minutes later with a direct free-kick from 30 metres. Lina Boussaha added a third in the 30th minute before Sofia Bekhaled completed a fine team move to make it 4-0 seven minutes before the interval.

Algeria continued to dominate after the break. Naili Nouhed scored in the 51st minute, while Ines Belloumou found the net from a free-kick in the 68th minute.

Lynda Bendris added a sixth in the 81st minute, taking advantage of an opportunity in the area, before Nesrime Bahlouli completed the scoring in the 90th minute after an impressive solo run.

The second leg will be played in Algiers on 13 October, with Algeria holding a commanding advantage as they seek to progress to the third preliminary round.

Earlier on Friday, Ivory Coast also put themselves in a strong position by beating DR Congo 4-1 at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.

Grace Ruth Sery gave the Elephants an early lead from the penalty spot in the third minute. Anastasia Soulac equalised for DR Congo in the 16th minute, but Sery restored Ivory Coast’s advantage only four minutes later.

Estelle Gnaly extended the visitors’ lead four minutes after half-time, and Karidja Fofana added a fourth in the 53rd minute to complete a convincing victory.

Ivory Coast will take a significant advantage into the return leg in Abidjan as they also target a place in the third round of the Olympic qualifying competition.