Algeria U23 vs Congo DR U23

Algeria U23 kicked off a new era under coach Rafik Saifi with a slender 1-0 victory over D.R. Congo U23 in the first of two friendlies at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers. The only goal came eight minutes into the second half when Mokrane Bentoumi unleashed a crisp left-footed strike from outside the box in the 53rd minute, giving the Congolese goalkeeper no chance. It was a moment of real quality from the Aubagne forward, currently on loan from Le Havre in France's third tier. Neither side could add to the scoresheet despite late pressure from D.R. Congo U23, coached by Guy Bukasa, who will be eager to respond when the two teams meet again on March 30. Both squads are using this double-header as preparation for the AFCON U23 qualifiers later this year, and Saifi will be pleased with a solid start to his reign.