Ramy Bensebaini, the Borussia Dortmund defender, came off the bench on Tuesday to sink a game-winning penalty for Algeria in their 2-1 friendly victory over Niger. Talk about clutch when it matters, right? The 31-year-old center-back delivered the decider from the spot, showing exactly why he is such a crucial piece for his national squad.
Bensebaini Steps Up Big-Time for Algeria
This wasn’t just some random goal; it was a statement. Bensebaini has been the guy for Algeria, even captaining the side in their opening AFCON qualifying games against Zambia and Burundi. That leadership absolutely showed when he stepped up to take that penalty. And get this: his last international goal was also a penalty kick, two years ago, when Algeria beat Togo. Funny how football works, because Algeria is once again grouped with Togo in the AFCON qualifiers. They are set to lock horns twice in just four days during November’s international break. You know he is gonna be hyped for those matches.
European Talent Shining Across the International Stage
Beyond Bensebaini’s heroics, Algeria also rolled out some serious talent in their starting lineup against Niger. Schalke’s Adil Aouchiche and Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza were out there from the jump, bringing that European club experience to the international friendly. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Farès Chaïbi also got in on the action, playing the final 25 minutes. Meanwhile, over in other international friendly action, Nigeria’s squad drew 3-3 with Russia, though Eintracht Frankfurt’s new midfielder Raphael Onyedika was absent. And South Korea? They grabbed a solid 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Mainz’s Lee Jae-Sung and Schalke loanee Hwang Hee-Chan both featuring. FC Bayern’s Kim Min-jae was wisely held out of South Korea’s squad for load management, making sure he is fresh for the grind.
November’s international break is gonna be huge for Algeria. They have got that double-header against Togo coming up, the same squad Bensebaini previously scored a penalty against. After a friendly win like this, with key players getting minutes and Bensebaini showing he can deliver under pressure, they are definitely looking to carry this momentum straight into those qualifying matches. It’s gonna be wild!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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