The Greens of Algeria defeated the Bolivian national football team three goals to two in the first test for Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, which took place on Friday evening at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in the capital.

The confrontation was part of the friendly mini-tournament competitions that will be held in Algeria from March 21 to 26, with the participation of teams from Algeria, Bolivia, Andorra and South Africa.

Complete control of the Greens in the first stage

National team Coach Vladimir Petkovic opted for an attacking tactic in his first outing with the Greens, deploying the trio of Baghdad Bounedjah, Fares Chaibi and Amine Gouiri up front.

Returning starlet Yacine Brahimi was also entrusted with the playmaking duties, and the Al Gharafa star did not disappoint, producing a fine display in the first half and providing the assist for the opening goal.

In the 19th minute, key defender Ramy Bensebaini went off with a knee injury and was replaced by his colleague Mohamed Lamine Tougay.

The Desert Warriors dominated the first period (six shots on goal) as they had the ball for most of the time and created several good scoring opportunities.

However, it was not until the end of the first half that the team managed to break the deadlock, when Rennes striker Amine Guiri capitalized on a superb individual effort by Yassine Brahimi, who dribbled past two defenders before slipping the ball to him inside the penalty area.

The Greens get back on track despite defensive errors

Bolivia surprised goalkeeper Anthony Mandria’s team-mates early in the second leg when defender Issa Mandi made a mistake in clearing the ball. Carmelo Algarañez recovered to score the equalizer in the 47th minute.

Bosnia coach Vladimir Petkovic made two changes after returning from the dressing room, bringing on Mohamed El Amin Amoura and Yassine Benzia in place of Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah respectively.

The national team’s tempo slowed in comparison to the first half, especially after their opponents leveled the score, as their players began to move up the pitch and win many one-on-one battles in midfield.

In an attempt to regain control of the game, the Greens coach brought on newcomers Anis Haj Moussa and Moncef.

While the Algerian fans at the Nelson Mandela Stadium waited for the national team to react, Bolivia scored their second goal in the 70th minute from an indirect free kick after a poor clearance by the Greens’ back line.

Chouil Hichem Merouane / English Version : Med.B