The Mozambican national soccer team, the "Mambas", suffered a 5-1 defeat against Algeria on Tuesday, in the sixth round of the African Qualification for the 2026 World Cup..

The match took place at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Boukhalfa, Tizi Ouzou. The Algerians opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Amoura, after a mistake by Alfonso Amade in the build-up area allowed Mahrez to recover and assist the first goal. Mozambique responded in the 16th minute with a cross from Geny Catamo, assisted by Alfonso, but the opposing goalkeeper prevented the equalizer. Algeria extended their lead in the 24th minute with a goal from Mandi. In the 30th minute, Amoura scored again to make it 3-0.

The national side reduced the deficit in the 40th minute with a superb goal from Geny Catamo, putting the score at 3-1 at half-time.

According to a Challenge newspaperAfter the restart, national coach Chiquinho Conde made two changes, bringing on Gildo and Nené in place of Witi and Pepo respectively. The Mambas managed to balance the game during the first 15 minutes of the second half, but Algeria once again imposed their dominance and extended the lead in the 65th minute with a goal from Hadjam. Amoura sealed the final result in the 80th minute, completing his hat-trick.

With this defeat, Algeria leads Group G with 15 points, while Mozambique remains in second place with 12. Botswana and Uganda follow with nine points each, occupying third and fourth place respectively. Guinea are fifth with seven points and Somalia remain in last place with just one point.

(Photo DR)