ALGIERS (Interstat) — Algeria conceded early but recovered to beat Niger 2-1 on Tuesday in a competition match, scoring twice after halftime to secure the home win. Niger struck first in the 12th minute when Ndri K. found the net. Algeria pushed for an equalizer before the break but could not break through until the second half. Mohamed Belloumi leveled in the 53rd minute, and Ramy Bensebaini added the decisive goal as Algeria completed the comeback. The result moved Algeria to 1-0 in the competition and 1-0 across all competitions, while Niger fell to 0-1 in the competition and 0-1 across all competitions.

Niger’s early goal forced Algeria to chase the game. The visitors’ quick attack caught Algeria before it settled, and Ndri K.’s finish gave Niger a surprising advantage. Ndri K. was active before being replaced at the 46th minute, part of a large set of Niger changes at the start of the second half. Niger also made a substitution in the 24th minute, bringing on Badamassi O. Algeria made its first change in the 40th minute when Maza I. entered. Konan Jocelyn was a key performer for Niger, logging 46 minutes, while Rahim Alhassane provided an assist over 70 minutes. Algeria’s Belloumi played 50 minutes and scored once. Algeria gradually gained control of possession and created more chances as the first half wore on.

Algeria’s breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Belloumi scored. The goal changed the momentum, and Algeria continued to press forward. A series of substitutions followed in the 61st minute, with Algeria bringing on Aouchiche A., Kebbal I., Hadjam J., Nair S., and Bakrar M. Algeria also made a 65th-minute change with Abdelli H. entering. Those changes helped Algeria sustain pressure and pin Niger back. Niger responded with substitutions in the 70th minute, as Camara A. and Alhassane R. came on. Bensebaini, who played 29 minutes and scored once, put Algeria ahead with a finish that proved to be the winner. Niger tried to respond late but could not find an equalizer.

The closing stages were physical. Algeria’s Boulbina A. received a yellow card in the 83rd minute. Niger made further changes in second-half stoppage time, with Harouna I., Wonkoye A., and Adamou H. entering at 90+2. Algeria managed the final minutes and kept Niger from creating a clear chance. The win gave Algeria a winning start in the competition and across all competitions, while Niger remained without a win in either category. Algeria’s defense held firm after taking the lead, and the home side closed out the result.

Niger’s best moments came early, but the team could not sustain that advantage. Ndri K.’s goal was the highlight of the first half for the visitors. Algeria’s response was measured, and the second-half goals from Belloumi and Bensebaini made the difference. The substitutions changed the pace of the game, with Algeria’s bench helping to increase pressure. Niger’s late changes were aimed at finding a spark, but Algeria’s back line and midfield limited the danger. The result marked a successful home outing for Algeria and a frustrating road result for Niger.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Algeria 1, Niger 0. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Algeria with a 65.3 percent probability to win.