BETTING GUIDE: Somalia Vs Algeria, Match Preview, Team News and Betting guide
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Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 09.10.25. | 13:40
While veterans like Riyad Mahrez, even if not as prolific in this campaign, bring invaluable experience and creativity to this Algerian side.
The stage is set for what's expected to be a one-sided but potentially entertaining clash in Group G of the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, as Somalia hosts Algeria on Thursday, 9 October, 2025, at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Oran.
With Somalia already eliminated from contention and Algeria needing just a single point to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the dynamics of this match are clear.
However, pride, squad development, and form heading into the final stages still make this fixture worth watching.
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Somalia’s journey through this qualification campaign has been marred by poor form, tactical fragility, and an overall gulf in class compared to their opponents.
The Ocean Stars sit bottom of Group G with just one point from eight games, having drawn once and lost the remaining seven matches.
Their only point came in a goalless draw against Guinea on Matchday 4.
Their goal difference of 3:16 reflects their biggest struggles - scoring and defending.
Somalia has the lowest goal tally in the group and has conceded the second-most goals, with an average of two goals conceded per game.
In their last five outings in all competitions, they’ve drawn once and lost four times, most recently falling 2-0 to Uganda away from home.
Head coach Yusuf Ali Nur has attempted to rebuild the side around younger talents, including Abdi Nour of Minnesota United 2, who could make his debut on Thursday.
Abel Gigli, a defender with international experience, also rejoins the squad.
Somalia has relied on three different goalscorers during their WC Qualifying run - highlighting their lack of a consistent attacking outlet.
Adding to their challenges, Somalia's “home” game will be played on Algerian soil, further diminishing any potential home advantage.
Fan pessimism is high, and rightly so - Somalia’s main motivation will be pride and the hope of producing a memorable performance against Africa’s elite.
In contrast, Algeria is flying high.
The Desert Foxes top Group G with 19 points from eight matches, needing just one more point to officially book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Their campaign includes six wins, one draw, and one defeat, with that lone loss coming in a surprise 2-1 home setback to Guinea on Matchday 3.
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Despite that hiccup, Vladimir Petkovic’s men have bounced back impressively, collecting 13 of a possible 15 points since that defeat.
Their last match - a goalless draw against Guinea - slightly slowed their momentum, but they remain the most complete and consistent team in the group.
Algeria’s strength lies in their balanced attack and solid defense. They’ve scored 19 goals and conceded only 7, averaging 2.4 goals per match.
They’ve also performed well away from home, with three wins and a draw in four road matches.
While the Desert Foxes could settle for a point, the expectation is that they will go for all three to wrap up qualification in style - especially against the group’s weakest side.
Much of Algeria’s attacking threat comes from Mohamed El Amine Amoura, who has been the standout performer with six goals and four assists.
His speed, dribbling, and finishing make him a constant danger. Baghdad Bounedjah has chipped in with three goals, providing an additional threat from central areas, while veterans like Riyad Mahrez, even if not as prolific in this campaign, bring invaluable experience and creativity.
All eyes will also be on Luca Zidane, the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, who has been called up to the squad and could make his senior debut in this fixture.
These two sides have met only once before - in the reverse fixture of this qualification campaign.
That match ended 3-1 in favour of Algeria, with the North Africans largely dominating proceedings.
Somalia did show some resilience in that game, managing a goal and brief spells of competitiveness, but the gulf in class was evident.
That trend is unlikely to change this time around, especially considering Algeria’s current form and Somalia’s lack of home advantage or consistency.
Key Pointers
Somalia lost ten of their last twelve matches.
40% of Somalia's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.6 goals per game.
Algeria have drawn five of their last six matches in regular time.
50% of Algeria's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.2 goals per game.
Given Algeria's dominant position in the group and Somalia's poor run of form, an away win seems the most likely outcome.
Prediction; Algeria win
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