Futsal Planet

Algeria vs Albania

OFFICIAL MATCH REPORT

by James Stringer from Tripoli

With both teams already eliminated from the competition, Albania and Algeria played out an enjoyable match in front of fans and media alike at the African Union Stadia. With both teams enjoying early pressure it was eventually Algeria who scored the first goal with Meghzili Zahir getting the goal after just under 8 minutes.
After the goal both teams played out a very enjoyable half and it looked like being 1 – 0 until Pacrami Alis found the net for Albania, the goal came from some heavy defensive work in their own half, the ball was played to him and he ran at the depleted defence and hammered a shot past the keeper to level the scores. Algeria struck back instantly and Bedredine Ali absolutely hammered a shot from the byline that goes right under the keeper, a fabulous shot that the keeper the keeper should have done better with but it gave Algeria a half time lead.

Algeria came out in the second half more determined to add to their lead and it wasn’t lone before Boudebouz Celim Mounir scored. His looped effort over the keeper was just the start as he quickly converted another chance less than 60 seconds later. He was sent clear down the left and absolutely battered a powerful effort into the far corner of the net to increase their lead.

After speaking with the Albanian players after the match they said that they didn’t see anything wrong with the challenge that led to the Red card but as far as I could see Dajko Dorian went straight through the Algerian lad and was sent off. Benfatah Sophiane S. was booked for protesting I think, it all got a bit messy but after that Algeria broke forward with 5 players against 4 and credit to Albania they held firm.

Going down to 4 men didn’t do them any harm at all, infact it’s united them a bit. Dalipi Besian seized on to an opportunity to pull a goal back for Albania when they got back to full strength he fired an effort under the keeper to make it 4 – 2
Meghzili Zahir Algeria hammered a shot that looked destined for the net, only for the keeper to deprive him at the last minute. That was a warning for Albania and they scored a further goal through Chelali Illies with a lovely shot from out wide. Albania pressed and pressed to try and turn around the deficit but were ultimately undone and Boudebouz Celim Mounir smashes in another goal in the closing seconds.

Most Valuable Player Boudebouz Celim Mounir said after the game “I’m happy but it’s not for me it’s for the team,it’s a new team and we are learning at this level”.

Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com