Qatar-based Berkane and Boulbina fire Algeria to big win over Bahrain

Doha, Qatar: Two Qatar based stars stole the spotlight as holders Algeria thrashed Bahrain 5 1 in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Group D clash, with R...

Doha, Qatar: Two Qatar-based stars stole the spotlight as holders Algeria thrashed Bahrain 5-1 in their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Group D clash, with Redouane Berkane (24th and 48th minutes) and Adil Boulbina (30th and 80th) each scoring twice at Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.

Mahdi Abduljabbar had briefly pulled Bahrain level in the 27th minute before Yassine Benzia’s penalty in first-half stoppage time (45+7) restored Algeria’s grip as the ‘Desert Foxes’ raised their hopes of advancing to the quarter-finals.

Algeria seemed to be almost entirely by the influence of their Qatar-based players in yesterday’s clash.

Algeria snatched early control when Al Wakrah forward Berkane struck the opener. Bahrain hit back moments later through Abduljabbar, but the response from the Algerian side was quick. Berkane set up Al Duhail midfielder Boulbina for the second goal as the game produced three goals within six minutes.

Berkane won a penalty in first half stoppage time and Benzia converted to restore Algeria’s cushion. After the restart, Berkane added his second goal to widen the gap and push them out of the contest.