2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Mahrez propels Algeria past Niger Republic; Togo outsmart Congo in Brazzaville

At the Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey, Algeria revived their fading qualification hopes by securing a comprehensive 4-0 away victory over Niger Republic.

Captain Riyad Mahrez broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a low shot inside the box after he was picked out by Baghdad Bounedjah.

The North Africans stamped their authority in the game as they went two goals up courtesy of Aissa Mandi who put the ball beyond goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda.

AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer put them three goals up in the 48th minute before Mahrez set up Bounedjah just six minutes before the hour mark.

Following this win, the Desert Foxes are now tied with Burkina Faso at the summit of Group A with 10 points – although, they boast a superior goals difference.

Elsewhere, Togo went to the Stade Alphonse Massamba-Debat, Brazzaville, saw and subdued Congo 3-1 to the dismay of the home fans.

The visitors got their goals through Euloge Fessou and Kevin Denkey while the hosts got their only goal through Guy Mbenza.

Even at the result, the Hawks have seen their qualification hopes flattened following Senegal’s result against Namibia.