Guinea claimed a surprise 2-1 away win over Algeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Thursday night.

Second-half goals from Morlaye Sylla and Aguibou Camara took the Syli National to a famous victory – and level with their opponents on six points at the top of Group G. The Fennec Foxes were searching for a third straight win to take control of the group, but instead may find themselves in a four-way tie by the end of Friday.

Algeria dominated possession through the first half but did not have the attacking penetration they would have been hoping for, with Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone not unduly troubled.

The West Africans offered a sporadic threat on the counter, but too often snatched at their opportunities, sending several ambitious efforts off target and failing to bother home goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea.

The match was goalless at the break, but just five minutes into the second half the deadlock was broken, with the Syli National claiming a surprise lead via a strike from Morlaye Sylla – silencing the crowd in Algiers.

However, the home support were soon cheering again when the Fennec Foxes levelled via Said Benrahma, who converted from Nabil Bentaleb’s assist to make it 1-1 just two minutes after going behind. This was later credited as an own goal for defender Yasser Balde.

Guinea were not perturbed, though, and continued to trouble their hosts’ defence. The beneficiary was Aguibou Camara, who found the back of the net on 63 minutes to put his team back in front and on course for a seismic result.

Algeria threw everything they had at Guinea in what remained of the game – which included over 10 minutes of injury time – but ultimately they were left frustrated.

Algeria will next face Uganda in Kampala on Monday 10 June, while Guinea will ‘host’ Mozambique in El Jadida, Morocco, on the same day.

Algeria: A. Mandrea, R. Ait-Nouri, Y. Atal (K. Van Den Kerkhof 80’), S. Benrahma (J. Hadjam 80’), N. Bentaleb, Y. Benzia (M. Amoura 59’), Y. Brahimi (B. Bounedjah 59’), A. Gouiri, A. Mandi, M. Tougai, R. Zerrouki (M. Bakrar 84’)

Guinea: I. Kone, Y. Balde, A. Camara, I. Diakite (D. Sylla 82’), A. Diawara (M. Konate 73’), S. Guirassy (M. Bayo 90+1’), J. Jeanvier (I. Conte 90+2’), S. Sow, I. Sylla, M. Sylla (I. Moriba 73’), A. Toure

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com