Algeria aiming to end international break with emphatic win against Niger

Algeria will look to return to winning ways when they face Niger in a friendly at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium on Tuesday evening, with both sides seeking a response after disappointing results in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Brahim Hemdani’s Algeria began this international period with a 3-1 victory against Zambia but were held to a 2-2 draw by Burundi at the Intwari Stadium last Tuesday. The Fennecs fell two goals behind inside the opening 12 minutes before Mohamed Belloumi and Adil Boulbina restored parity.

The draw denied Algeria consecutive victories, something they have not achieved since January. Their competitive record in 2026 stands at three wins, two draws and three defeats, a marked contrast to the three successive victories they recorded at the end of 2025.

However, Algeria have been highly consistent in friendly matches. They are unbeaten in their past six, recording five wins and a goalless draw against Uruguay in March. They have also lost only one of their past 12 meetings with Niger and have not been beaten at home for more than two years.

For Niger manager Nabil Neghiz, the fixture carries added significance. The 2016 Algeria manager, who won his only match in charge, recently served as an assistant to Vladimir Petkovic. Tuesday will be his third game as coach of Niger, having replaced Badou Zaki last month.

Niger beat Lesotho 2-1 in Neghiz’s first match but then suffered a 2-0 defeat by Gabon last Tuesday, a result that left them third in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group. They have won only one of their last eight matches, kept one clean sheet and failed to score in four of those games. Niger have also won none of their last 12 away friendlies.

Algeria midfielder Himad Abdelli went off injured shortly before half-time against Burundi and is a major doubt. Adem Zorgane is expected to replace him and could make his 26th appearance for the national team. Belloumi, who scored in the previous match, is Algeria’s main attacking threat after contributing to five goals in his last six appearances for club and country.

Niger are likely to rest Aboubacar Camara following a minor fitness concern, with Najeeb Yakubu expected to deputise on the right. Oumar Sako, who has scored three of Niger’s last four goals, will carry much of the visitors’ attacking responsibility.

Probable teams

Algeria: Ramdane; Hadjam, Touba, Abada, Redouani; Chaibi, Zorgane; Boulbina, Maza, Belloumi; Kebbal.

Niger: Kassali; Yakubu, Abdouramane, Sako, Alhassane; Mohamed, Oumarou; Amoustapha, Badamassi, Wonkoye; Sosah.

The prediction is for an Algeria victory by at least two goals, with more than 2.5 goals expected. The listed odds are 1.67 for over 2.5 goals, 1.78 for an Algeria win by two or more goals and 2.18 for both teams to score. A correct-score prediction of Algeria 4-1 Niger is priced at 14.00 with Betclic.