Algeria extended their Group E lead with a commanding 5-1 victory over Togo in a Group E clash of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, qualifiers on Thursday night.
The resounding victory sees the former African champions extend their lead to an impressive seven points ahead of Togo who are second on two points from three matches.
It was a one-sided affair in favour of the hosts who comfortably dominated the match, signalling their strong intentions of reclaiming their lost title, as they marked three straight wins in their quest to secure a ticket to the 2025 edition in Morocco.
Despite taking the early lead through Thibault Klidje in the 11th minute, it was the hosts who eventually emerged victorious thanks to their clinical finishing in front of goal.
A brace by Said Benrahma alongside goals by Houssem Aouer, Amine Gouiri and a last-minute strike by Mohamed Amoura saw the north African giants secure the victory in front of their highly vocal fans.
Group E action continues on Friday afternoon with an exciting clash between Equatorial Guinea and Liberia at 13h00 GMT.
Meanwhile in Group L, Burkina Faso overturned an early deficit to secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Burundi in their qualifier held in Abidjan.
Despite falling behind to Bienvenue Kanakimana’s opener, the Stallions bounced back with two goals from Dango Ouattara, followed by a debut strike from Sacha Banse and a final goal from Issoufou Dayo.
Kanakimana put Burundi ahead, surprising Burkina Faso early in the game, but the lead didn’t last long.
Ouattara quickly leveled for Burkina Faso, showing clinical finishing to bring his side back into the contest.
Ouattara added his second to put Burkina Faso in front before Banse, making his first appearance for the national team, extended their lead with a well-taken goal.
Issoufou Dayo then sealed the win with a late effort to complete the turnaround.