Algeria inaugurated the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in style, overcoming an early deficit to thrash Liberia 5-1 in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The Lone Stars shocked the hosts with a sixth-minute goal from Samson Dweh, who received Daniel Toe’s pass and beat Alexis Guendouz. However, Algeria swiftly responded.
Aissa Mandi equalized in the 20th minute, slotting past Abdulai Koulibaly from inside the area.
Riyad Mahrez then headed home Amine Gouiri’s cross in the 29th minute, putting Algeria ahead.
After dominating the first half, Algeria continued to press in the second. Baghdad Bounedjah extended their lead in the 64th minute, capitalizing on Gouiri’s rebound.
Liberia’s William Gibson missed a chance to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute, firing wide from the edge of the box. Gouiri then scored Algeria’s fourth goal in the 74th minute, side-footing into an open net after Koulibaly’s error.
Gouiri nearly scored again in the 83rd minute, but Koulibaly made a point-blank save. Mohamed Amoura’s header was cleared off the line by Prince Balde in the 86th minute.
Amoura sealed Algeria’s 5-1 victory in stoppage time, lashing home from an angle after Himad Abdelli’s assist. This win maintained Algeria’s unbeaten record in Group E.
Vladimir Petkovic’s team had previously drawn 0-0 with Equatorial Guinea, ending their perfect qualifying campaign start.
Liberia had beaten Togo 1-0 for their first group win.
The convincing victory delighted the Tizi Ouzou crowd, who celebrated Algeria’s dominant performance in their first international outing at the new stadium.
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