Algeria vs Netherlands
A week before the start of the World Cup, Algeria received a major confidence boost with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Feyenoord.
Despite the result, the Dutch dominated much of the contest. Early chances from Donyell Malen, who struck the post in the eighth minute, and Tijani Reijnders, whose goal was disallowed two minutes later, left Algerian supporters fearing the worst.
However, Algeria were kept in the game by an inspired performance from goalkeeper Luca Zidane, whose string of saves ensured the North Africans reached halftime with their clean sheet intact. Following several changes by both coaches after the break, the match became more open and evenly balanced.
While the Netherlands continued to control possession, Algeria increasingly threatened on the counterattack through their talented attacking players. Their persistence was rewarded late on when Hadj Moussa produced a moment of brilliance, cutting inside from the right before curling a superb left-footed shot into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
The stunning winner provides Algeria with a timely confidence boost as the Fennecs head to their World Cup base camp in Lawrence, Kansas, where they will face Bolivia in a final warm-up match on June 10.
Several Dutch internationals with African heritage also featured in the match, including Cody Gakpo (Togo) and Ghanaian-rooted trio Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, and Nathan Aké.
D.R. Congo vs Denmark
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo continued preparations for their first World Cup appearance in more than 50 years with a goalless draw against Denmark in Belgium on Wednesday.
The Congolese side, training in Belgium ahead of the tournament, may have to settle for just one warm-up fixture after a scheduled friendly against Chile in Spain was cancelled by local authorities.
DR Congo came closest to scoring midway through the first half when striker Cedric Bakambu broke through on goal, but his effort was comfortably saved by Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Jorgensen was called into action again in the closing moments, producing a sharp save to deny Joris Kayembe with the final chance of the match.
DR Congo begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.
Tunisia vs Belgium
Elsewhere, Tunisia endured a difficult evening in Brussels, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to Belgium. The North Africans, who had already lost 1-0 to Austria, were once again outclassed.
Belgium’s attack was spearheaded by the lively Jeremy Doku, whose runs down the left flank repeatedly stretched the Tunisian defence and created space for his teammates. Winger Dodi Lukébakio, whose family roots trace back to DR Congo, found the scoresheet, while Belgium’s all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku also made his return to action.
Tunisia head out to Mexico as they prepare for their first group match against Sweden on June 14th.
Morocco vs Madagascar
Morocco continued their preparations for the World Cup in impressive fashion with a commanding 4-0 victory over Madagascar.
PSV Eindhoven forward Ismael Saibari, who scored 19 goals for his club last season, gave the Atlas Lions control of the match with two first-half goals. After the break, substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third from the penalty spot before Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi completed the rout to seal a comfortable win.
Ranked eighth in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco will face Norway in New Jersey on Sunday before beginning their World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 13. The reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions will then take on Scotland in Boston before concluding their group-stage campaign against Haiti.
Ghana vs Wales
Meanwhile, Ghana were denied a winning start under new coach Carlos Queiroz as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in Cardiff.
The hosts controlled much of the first half, with Daniel James coming close on two occasions, striking both the post and the crossbar within a matter of minutes. Despite Wales’ dominance, clear-cut opportunities were limited in front of a modest crowd at Cardiff City Stadium.
After a quiet opening hour, Ghana’s energetic supporters were given something to celebrate when substitute Caleb Yirenkyi reacted quickest to a rebound and fired the Black Stars into the lead.
Wales continued to press for an equaliser and were finally rewarded deep into stoppage time. Neco Williams delivered an inviting cross from the right, and Koumas stooped to head home his first international goal, rescuing a draw for the home side.
Although Ghana will be disappointed to have let victory slip away in the closing moments, ending a run of five consecutive defeats should provide a welcome boost ahead of a challenging World Cup group that includes England, Croatia, and Panama.