Algeria face Togo with top spot in sight in crucial AFCON qualifier

Algeria host Togo at the Stade Hocine-Ait-Ahmed on Saturday, 14 November at 20:00, aiming to strengthen their position at the summit of Group I in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Fennecs have collected four points from their opening two matches and lead Togo by one point. The Eperviers are third, behind second-placed Zambia on goal difference, setting up an important two-match contest between the sides.

Algeria remain unbeaten in three games since Brahim Hemdani replaced Vladimir Petkovic in September, following Petkovic’s departure in August. Hemdani’s reign began with a 3-1 win over Zambia before Algeria recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Burundi in their second qualifier.

They have scored at least twice in each of their past three matches, including a 2-1 friendly victory over Niger in Tizi Ouzou in October. Mohamed Belloumi and Ramy Bensebaini completed the comeback after Algeria conceded in the first half.

Their attacking form has been accompanied by defensive concerns, however. Algeria have conceded 13 goals in their past seven matches in all competitions and have not kept a clean sheet during that run. Their record against Togo offers encouragement: Algeria have prevented the Eperviers from scoring in four of their past five meetings and have won six of the last seven encounters, combining competitive and friendly fixtures.

Togo began their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 home victory over Burundi, Dermane Karim scoring the only goal in Lome. Patrice Neveu’s side then lost 2-0 in Zambia, ending a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions. That defeat was also their first scoreless game in six matches this year and their first since a goalless draw with South Africa in October 2025, during the World Cup qualifying campaign in which Togo finished fourth in Group B.

Ranked 120th by FIFA, Togo face an Algeria side 92 places higher in 28th. The match starts a demanding double-header, with the return fixture in Lome three days later. Togo have also won only one of their past 13 away matches, drawing six and losing six; that victory came against Niger in a 2-1 friendly in March 2024.

Algeria will be without Hull City winger Bachir Belloumi because of a hamstring injury. Brighton defender Jaouen Hadjam, midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, Amin Chiakha and Rafik Belghali are also unavailable. Fahem Benaissa-Yahia and Adem Zorgane have been called up as replacements, while Yacine Titraoui returns to the squad. Mohamed Azzi and Abderrahmane Rebbach could make their senior debuts. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Luca Zidane are notable absentees.

Togo are missing Sharani Zuberu, Steven Nador and Mansour Ouro-Tagba with hamstring injuries. Lilian Brassier has received his first call-up, while Kennedy Boateng, Thibault Klidje and Augustin Drakpe return.

Algeria’s home advantage, greater attacking threat and strong record against Togo make them favourites, although their defensive vulnerability could allow the visitors to score. The predicted result is a 2-1 win for the Fennecs.