Algeria edge past Togo as Hemdani warns return match will be tougher

Algeria secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo on Saturday to claim three valuable points in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but head coach Brahim Hemdani has warned his players that the return fixture will present an even greater challenge.

The Fennecs were made to work hard against a deep and well-organised Togo defence, with the visitors maintaining their shape for much of the match. Algeria eventually found a breakthrough in the 76th minute when Ramy Bensebaini converted from a corner.

Although the result strengthened Algeria’s position at the top of Group I, Hemdani said the performance had exposed areas that still needed improvement. He acknowledged that his team had struggled to create openings against opponents who defended in a compact formation.

“We knew we were going to face a very compact team. It is one of the most difficult scenarios in football,” Hemdani said.

“It took us some time to find the solution against their defence, but in the end we got the essential result.”

The Algeria manager was pleased that his side’s technical quality eventually made the difference, but wanted to see greater urgency and penetration in attack. He felt the team had not made enough use of its strengths in the final stages of the pitch.

“I would have liked us to be more effective offensively,” Hemdani added. “We lacked verticality and speed to reach the final 30 metres. We have qualities that we did not exploit enough.”

The victory therefore came without fully satisfying the coach, who expects Algeria to improve their attacking movement and decision-making before the teams meet again.

There will be little time for the Fennecs to reflect on Saturday’s match. Algeria and Togo will face one another again in Lome on Tuesday in the fourth round of the qualifiers, with Hemdani anticipating a more difficult contest.

“In three days, we will face the same opponent, and I expect it to be even more difficult than today, especially because the playing conditions will be significantly less favourable,” he warned.

The message to his squad was clear: Algeria may have won the first encounter, but they will need greater control and efficiency away from home if they are to confirm their superiority and consolidate top spot in Group I.