In October 2024, the African football scene witnessed two significant encounters between Togo and Algeria during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. These matches not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased Algeria’s dominance in the group stage.
First Encounter: Algeria’s Commanding Performance
On October 10, 2024, Algeria hosted Togo at the Stade du 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba. The match began with an unexpected twist as Togo’s Thibault Klidje scored in the 11th minute, giving the visitors an early lead. However, Algeria responded with resilience and skill:
- 29th Minute: Saïd Benrahma equalized, assisted by Ramiz Zerrouki.
- 55th Minute: Benrahma converted a penalty, putting Algeria ahead.
- 68th Minute: Houssem Aouar extended the lead with a well-placed shot.
- 86th Minute: Amine Gouiri added another goal, assisted by Mohamed Amoura.
- 90+5th Minute: Amoura sealed the victory with the fifth goal, assisted by Mohamed Farsi.
The match concluded with a 5-1 victory for Algeria, showcasing their offensive prowess and tactical superiority.
Second Encounter: A Narrow Victory for Algeria
Just four days later, on October 14, 2024, the teams faced off again, this time at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo. The match was more balanced, with both teams displaying defensive solidity. The decisive moment came in the 18th minute when Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini converted a penalty, securing a 1-0 win for the visitors.
Implications for the Africa Cup of Nations
These consecutive victories solidified Algeria’s position at the top of their qualifying group, emphasizing their intent to be strong contenders in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Togo, despite their efforts, faced challenges in overcoming Algeria’s experienced squad.
The Togo vs Algeria clashes in October 2024 were emblematic of the unpredictable and thrilling nature of African football. While Algeria emerged victorious in both encounters, Togo’s determination and competitive spirit were evident, promising more exciting matches in the future.
What These Matches Mean for Both Teams
Algeria’s Strong Position
With two consecutive wins against Togo, Algeria has strengthened its position at the top of their AFCON qualifying group. The team’s performances showed their depth in squad quality and tactical superiority. Their attacking power, combined with solid defense, makes them strong contenders for the AFCON title.
Togo’s Lessons Learned
Despite two losses, Togo can take some positives from these matches. The second game showed their ability to adapt and play a more structured game. However, they need to improve their attacking efficiency and defensive organization if they want to compete against Africa’s elite teams.
Historical Head-to-Head Record: Algeria vs Togo
Looking at past encounters between Togo and Algeria, it’s evident that Algeria has historically dominated.
| Date | Winner | Score | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Oct 2024 | Algeria | 5-1 | AFCON Qualifier |
| 14 Oct 2024 | Algeria | 1-0 | AFCON Qualifier |
| 18 Nov 2018 | Algeria | 4-1 | AFCON Qualifier |
| 11 Jun 2017 | Algeria | 1-0 | AFCON Qualifier |
| 22 Jan 2013 | Togo | 2-0 | Africa Cup of Nations |
Algeria has won four out of the last five meetings, proving their superiority over Togo in recent years.
Key Takeaways from Togo vs Algeria Matches
- Algeria’s Attack is Unstoppable – With players like Benrahma, Aouar, and Gouiri, Algeria has one of the most potent attacks in Africa.
- Togo Must Improve in Key Areas – While their second performance was much better, Togo still needs to work on their finishing and consistency.
- Algeria’s Title Hopes Look Strong – These performances confirm that Algeria is among the favorites for the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Both Teams?
As the AFCON qualifiers progress, Algeria will look to maintain their momentum and continue their strong form. They are on track to qualify comfortably and could be one of the main contenders in the tournament.
For Togo, there is still work to be done. While they showed resilience in the second match, they need to focus on improving their squad depth and tactics if they want to challenge the bigger teams in Africa.
The Togo vs Algeria matches in October 2024 were exciting and insightful, offering fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the African football scene. Football lovers can expect more thrilling encounters in the journey towards AFCON 2025!