Algeria produced a dominant performance on home soil to defeat Rwanda 2-0, with Youcef Belaïli emerging as the standout performer by scoring his first international goal in three years.
From the opening whistle, Algeria dictated the tempo, applying consistent pressure along both flanks. Belaïli, operating from the left wing, repeatedly found space to trouble the Rwandan defence, notably carving out a dangerous opportunity in the 15th minute.
On the opposite side, Youcef Atal caused similar problems with his pace and footwork, delivering a sharp pass into the area midway through the first half, only for Rwanda to scramble the ball behind for a corner.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, a reward for Algeria’s relentless pressing. Hicham Boudaoui delivered a precise cross from the right, and Belaïli, positioned perfectly in the box, rose to glance the ball into the net.
The goal was his first for the national side since June 2022, ending a prolonged dry spell and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Algeria, champions of Africa in 2019, continued to push forward with purpose, seeking to extend their advantage before the break. Midfielder Maza tested Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari with a driven effort in the 34th minute, but the shot was comfortably gathered.
Belaïli was again at the heart of the action moments later, threading a clever pass to Hertha Berlin’s attacking midfielder, whose shot was parried by Ntwari at full stretch, brushing past the post in the 40th minute.
After the interval, Algeria maintained their dominance. Although Rwanda showed fleeting signs of threat down the left, they were soon punished on the counter.
In the 58th minute, full-back Jaouen Hadjam capped off a swift attacking move with a composed finish. The young defender cut in and drilled a low strike past Ntwari, doubling Algeria’s lead in clinical fashion.
While the Algerian forwards impressed with their fluid movement and creative play, the defensive unit ensured there were no lapses at the back.
Goalkeeper Benbot remained alert throughout and produced a fine stop from a long-range Rwandan effort in the 72nd minute. Mohamed Tougaï reacted quickly to clear the rebound, maintaining the team’s clean sheet.
There was nearly a third for the hosts late in the match when substitute Mohamed Amoura burst through on the left in the 86th minute.
His tight-angled shot, however, failed to find the target. Rwanda mounted one final push in stoppage time, but Benbot preserved Algeria’s clean sheet with a composed save at the death.
The victory sees Algeria head into their upcoming friendly against Sweden in Stockholm with renewed confidence and momentum. Under manager Vladimir Petkovic, the Fennecs displayed cohesion, intensity, and attacking flair—qualities they’ll be eager to replicate in their next challenge.
Le but de Youcef Belaili ! pic.twitter.com/vIX2FxaNqM
— DZfoot (@DZfoot) June 5, 2025
