In a surprising turn of events, Guinea secured a 2-1 away victory over Algeria in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Nelson Mandela Stadium. The win brings Guinea level with Algeria at the top of Group G, both teams now standing on six points.
The match saw a goalless first half, with Algeria controlling possession but failing to break through Guinea’s defense. Guinea’s sporadic counter-attacks in the first half did not trouble Algeria’s goalkeeper, Anthony Mandrea.
The deadlock was broken five minutes into the second half when Morlaye Sylla scored, giving Guinea a surprising lead and silencing the Algiers crowd. Algeria quickly responded, equalizing just two minutes later through a deflected shot by Said Benrahma, initially credited as an own goal by Guinea’s Yasser Balde.
Despite this setback, Guinea continued to press and regained the lead at the 63rd minute with a goal from Aguibou Camara. The Syli National then held off intense pressure from Algeria, which included over ten minutes of injury time, to secure their victory.
Algeria will look to rebound in their next match against Uganda in Kampala on June 10, while Guinea will ‘host’ Mozambique in El Jadida, Morocco, on the same day.
