Algeria 3-0 Colombia: Five talking points from the game | International friendly

#2 Riyad Mahrez showed his class

Riyad Mahrez was the game changer for Algeria

Riyad Mahrez has been in sensational form since breaking into the scene at Leicester City a couple of seasons ago. The Algerian hit a higher gear after making the move to Manchester City last season and against Colombia, his world-class abilities helped his team win the game. Mahrez’s movement, speed, and skills were too much for the Colombia defense, who looked hapless at times against him.

The Manchester City man started the day by laying down the pass for Baghdad Bounedjah to open the scoring. Mahrez then went on to score himself, showing his alertness to find space at the edge of the box and displaying clinical finishing abilities to put his team 2-0 up. However, he left the best of the last.

In the second half, Mahrez picked the ball up on the right-hand side of the field, near the touchline and embarked on a mazy run inside the Colombia half. He had the entire Colombia defense backtracking and then dribbled past quite a few players to unleash a low left-footed shot into the far corner to make it 3-0.

#1 Algeria prove they are no pushovers

African Cup of Nations 2019: Tanzania v Algeria.

Algeria had already proved their doubters wrong by defeating Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. It was a historic moment for the nation and since then, Algeria has shown signs of getting even better. The African nation is undefeated since that memorable day at the Cairo International Stadium on 20th of July. In that space, Algeria has defeated Benin, while also managing draws against Morocco and Congo. However, with this victory against Colombia, Algeria has made a statement to the football world and made their intentions pretty clear.

It was not just the win, but the manner in which Algeria prevailed over the South American nation that indicates that the African country is on an upward rise. It was also a statement of intent ahead of the 2020 African Nations Championships, where the reigning African Cup of Nations champions will have their eyes on the top prize. Keeping in mind their fantastic performance against Colombia, it must be noted that Algeria will be one of the teams to beat in the tournament.