Algeria secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Liberia

Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez led the way as Algeria secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Liberia in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier on Sunday.

Togo also achieved a decisive win, defeating Equatorial Guinea 3-0 in their first victory of the campaign. However, with Algeria and Equatorial Guinea already qualified for the 24-team tournament set to be hosted by Morocco starting December 21 next year, these matches were played purely for pride.

Algeria’s win was driven by experienced players. Aissa Mandi, 33, leveled the score midway through the first half after Sampson Dweh gave Liberia a surprise sixth-minute lead. Riyad Mahrez, now 33 and playing for Saudi club Al Ahli after leaving Manchester City two years ago, put Algeria ahead in the 29th minute with a far-post header. Baghdad Bounedjah, 32, added a third goal in the 64th minute, poking in a rebound.

In the final stages, Algeria extended their lead as Amine Gouiri scored his fourth goal of the qualifiers in the 74th minute. Substitute Mohammed Amoura rounded off the performance with a fifth goal in added time.

Algeria finished the group unbeaten with 16 points, while Equatorial Guinea came second with eight. Togo’s win, powered by two Yaw Annor goals and one from Kevin Denkey, lifted them to five points, while Liberia finished last with four.