Tops
Slimani the starved to death
He was one of the rare players at the level on this pitiful lawn of the Japona Stadium in Douala this Friday evening during Algeria's 1-0 victory against Cameroon.
From the outset, Islam Slimani is aggressive - in a good way - and does not shy away from the defensive task.
It is also during an excellent pressing that the Algerian striker will create the first opportunity of this meeting.
In the 13th, the former Lyonnais stole the ball from the feet of Michael Ngadeu 40 meters from the opposing goal before challenging André Onana.
However, the former Sporting eccentric somewhat before striking but still triggers a powerful shot that forces the Cameroonian goalkeeper to the parade.
The second will turn in favor of the Algerian.
At the 40th,
Islam Slimani perfectly takes Youcef Belaïli's free kick to deliver a helmet blow that André Onana can only touch.
In the second period, the striker remained revolted and even received a yellow card for protest (69th), before giving up his place eight minutes later (76th).
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A central defense that holds up
Djamel Belamdi's masterstroke.
Before the match, the composition suggested a classic defense with four men.
It was finally three axial defenders who faced the Cameroonian attacks.
A paying choice since the Indomitable Lions have never found their way.
The veteran (32 years old) Djamel Benlamri in particular author of a sumptuous return in the feet of Vincent Aboubakar during a against which was all fatal (14th).
The former Lyon defender also did not hesitate to take the game on his own, regularly sending long balls forward.
Aissa Mandi also very clean during the meeting.
Abdelkader Beldrane sometimes more in difficulty but no error to note.
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flops
Lions are tamed
An attack - and even an entire team - that purrs.
Rigobert Song's players have never been close to finding the fault to shake the opposing nets.
At the start of the game (5th), Karl Toko Ekambi mischievously hit a distant free kick directly.
A grazing and vicious shot that forces Raïs M'bolhi to lie down.
A few seconds later (6th), captain Vincent Aboubakar set fire to the opposing defense by dribbling several players but his attempt narrowly missed the target.
At the very end of the game (85th), the Olympique Lyonnais striker tried his luck 25 meters in the middle but it was too easy for Raïs M'bolhi.
And that's all !
Seven shots including three on target only in total for the Cameroonians.
Wanted Mahrez
But where is the Algerian captain?
Few players stood out in this meeting, many were neutral and a few were transparent.
This is the case of Algerian striker Riyad Mahrez.
A few flashes and individual attempts at the start of the game and then nothing.
The number 7 of the Fennecs has gradually been consumed to completely die out.
Like Cameroon, an Algeria also very poor offensively.
Four shots, including at least three for Islam Slimani, and only one on target, the goal.
The overly discreet 31-year-old captain couldn't tell the difference or even carry his group.
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