Algeria 3-1 Botswana Player Ratings: Mohamed Amoura Rated 8.5/10 as Algerian Team Seals Dominant 3-1 Victory

Algeria secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Botswana in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, but it was far from straightforward as the match had many twist and turns in it. The first half was a tense and surprisingly even affair which was not expected as the Hosts came into this game as the favourites. However, Algeria took the lead through a powerful Mohamed Amoura header, only to be pegged back just before the break by a well-taken goal from Tebogo Kopelang.

The fixture noticed a shift in momentum after halftime. Algeria's manager V. Petković made some substitutions which had an impact in the game immediately after their introduction on the pitch that completely changed the dynamic of the match. The introduction of Baghdad Bounedjah was a stroke of genius. He came on and immediately caused problems for the Botswana defense, which was looking solid in the first half, scoring two goals to seal the win for his side.

This match clearly showed Algeria's depth and how lethal their attack can be. While some of their star players had a quiet evening like one of the best wingers in the Premier League. The result puts them in a strong position in their qualifying group, showcasing their resilience after a tricky start.

Here are our Algeria Vs Botswana Player Ratings

Algeria Player Ratings vs Botswana

Here are Algeria Player Ratings vs Botswana

Goalkeeper

Alexis Guendouz - 6.0: He was beaten for Botswana's goal but could do little about it. Overall, it was a quiet night for the keeper. He wasn't tested much beyond the goal. A standard performance with no major errors.

Defenders

Aïssa Mandi - 6.5: A solid if unspectacular performance from the experienced defender. He was part of a backline that was breached once but generally looked comfortable. He kept things simple and did his job effectively without any fuss.

Mohamed Amine Tougai - 6.5: Much like his partner Mandi, Tougai had a decent game. He was strong in the air and dealt with what little threat Botswana posed. He will be pleased with the win but disappointed not to keep a clean sheet. A dependable outing.

Youcef Atal - 6.0: An energetic but somewhat chaotic performance from the right-back. He got forward well but his final ball was often lacking. Picked up a needless yellow card which summed up his slightly reckless display. A mixed bag, really.

Ramy Bensebaini - 7.0: Contributed at both ends of the pitch. He provided a crucial assist, showing his attacking quality from the back. However, he also received a yellow card for a rash challenge. A very eventful and ultimately positive contribution.

Midfielders

Riyad Mahrez - 6.0: A surprisingly subdued performance from the captain. We expected him to run the show, but he struggled to make a significant impact. He was well-marked by the opposition and was substituted in the second half. Not his best day at the office.

Houssem Aouar - 6.0: Looked busy and tried to link up play, but his influence faded as the game went on. He picked up a yellow card before being substituted. What stood out to us was a slight lack of cutting edge in the final third.

Hicham Boudaoui - 6.5: A tireless performance in the heart of midfield. He covered a lot of ground and kept the ball moving. While not a standout player, his work rate was essential for the team's balance before his late substitution.

Nabil Bentaleb - 7.0: A composed and controlling presence in midfield. He dictated the tempo for much of the game. His experience was vital, especially when the scores were level. A very classy and assured performance.

Forwards

Amine Gouiri - 6.0: It was a frustrating night for the forward. He worked hard but couldn't find a way to get on the scoresheet. He was eventually substituted as Algeria looked for a different approach. A quiet game for him.

Mohamed Amoura - 8.5: Without a doubt, the highest-rated player and our man of the match. He was a constant menace to the Botswana defence. He scored the opener with a great header and then provided the assist for the crucial second goal. An electrifying performance full of pace and purpose.

Substitutes

Baghdad Bounedjah - 8.5: What an impact. Came off the bench and single-handedly won the game for his team. His two goals were expertly taken and showed a striker's instinct that was missing before his arrival. A perfect super-sub display.

Saïd Benrahma - 6.5: Added some flair and creativity after coming on. Looked lively but was overshadowed by Bounedjah's goalscoring heroics. A decent cameo.

Youcef Belaïli - 6.5: Brought fresh energy to the attack. He was direct and tried to take on his man, helping to stretch the tiring Botswana defence.

Farès Chaïbi - N/A: Came on in stoppage time with the game already won. Not enough time to make an impact.

Manager

V. Petković - 8.0: His second-half substitutions were absolutely spot on. He identified that a change was needed and his decision to bring on Bounedjah was a masterstroke. He deserves huge credit for turning the game in his team's favour. Excellent game management.

Botswana Player Ratings vs Algeria

Here are Botswana Player Ratings vs Algeria

Goalkeeper

Goitseone Phoko - 5.5: A tough evening for the keeper who had to pick the ball out of his net three times. He couldn't have done much to stop the goals. He was left exposed by his defence on multiple occasions.

Defenders

Mosha Gaolaolwe - 5.5: The captain had a difficult time against Algeria's potent attack. The defence held firm for a while but was ultimately overwhelmed in the second half. A challenging night for him and his backline.

Alford Velaphi - 5.5: Similar to his captain, Velaphi struggled to contain the likes of Amoura and Bounedjah. He made a few important tackles but was part of a defensive unit that conceded three goals. A learning experience for him.

Mothusi Johnson - 6.5: The standout performer in Botswana's defence. He provided a fantastic assist for his team's goal. Defensively, it was a tough night, but his contribution going forward was a massive plus. A real positive from a difficult result.

Tebogo Kopelang - 7.0: He will remember this game for a long time. Scoring against a team like Algeria is a huge achievement. His goal was well-taken and gave his team hope. Despite the defensive struggles, his goal makes him one of Botswana's best players on the night.

Midfielders

Rudolph Mpho Kgaswane - 6.0: He worked hard in the midfield battle but struggled to create anything meaningful. He was eventually substituted as his influence waned. A committed but ineffective performance.

Mothusi Cooper - 6.0: Another player who put in a shift but was ultimately overrun by Algeria's midfield quality. He tried to break up play but found it difficult. Substituted in the second half.

Thero Setsile - 5.5: A very quiet game from the midfielder. He was largely anonymous before being taken off after an hour. He couldn't get into the game at all.

Lebogang Ditsele - 6.0: Battled hard in the middle of the park and picked up a yellow card for his troubles. His aggression was needed, but he was fighting a losing battle against superior opposition.

Gilbert Baruti - 5.5: Like many of his midfield teammates, he struggled to get a foothold in the match. He was unable to influence proceedings and was substituted in the second half.

Forwards

Thabang Sesinyi - 6.0: It was a thankless task for the lone striker. He was isolated for large parts of the game and had to feed on scraps. Picked up a yellow card and was substituted. Worked hard with very little reward.

Substitutes

Gape Mohutsiwa - 6.0: Came on to try and shore up the midfield but couldn't stem the Algerian tide. Worked hard but made little impact.

Thatayaone Kgamanyane - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Thabo Maponda - N/A: Brought on late in the game.

Serati Semadi - N/A: A late substitute.

Segolame Boy - N/A: Came on with little time remaining.

Manager

M. Ramoreboli - 6.0: His team showed great spirit to get back on level terms. His game plan worked well in the first half. However, he had no answer to Algeria's second-half changes and superior quality. A valiant effort from his side.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Mohamed Amoura