The Algeria women’s national football team opened their 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualifying campaign in dominant fashion, securing an 8-0 victory over the Central African Republic at Stade 5 Juillet in Algiers.
Algiers Demolition Sets Up Lopsided First Leg
Friday evening’s fixture at Stade 5 Juillet saw the host nation build a comfortable 4-0 advantage by halftime before doubling their offensive output in the second half. The eight-goal margin establishes a commanding cushion heading into the return leg of this second-round CAF qualification tie. The return fixture between Algeria and the Central African Republic is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue in Algiers.
A Scorer’s Sheet Distributed Across the Squad
The goals began with an own goal from Central African Republic defender Ndonba in the 21st minute. Marine Dawour extended the lead in the 27th minute, followed swiftly by Lina Boussaha in the 30th minute and Sofia Bkhald in the 36th minute to close out the first-half scoring. After the interval, Nhad Naila added a fifth in the 51st minute, Inas Boulmo struck in the 68th minute, Linda Ben Dris scored in the 80th minute, and Nesrine Bahlouli capped the 8-0 rout in the 90th minute.
New Faces and Fresh Momentum in Camp
Head coach Farid Benstiti selected a 26-player roster for this two-legged series, integrating new additions such as Sarah Compaore of Olympique de Marseille and Nesrine Bahlouli of Al-Nassr. The squad entered the fixture carrying high morale following a historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, secured by finishing third at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. That continental finish marked the first time the program qualified for the global tournament, which runs from June 24 to July 25, 2027.
The Road to the 2028 Los Angeles Games
Thirty-five African federations are competing across five rounds of qualification running through December 4, 2027. Only two nations from the Confederation of African Football will ultimately secure berths in the 12-team Olympic tournament scheduled for July 11–29, 2028. The return fixture between Algeria and the Central African Republic is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue in Algiers.
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