Passed through his CAN like his teammates, Islam Slimani scored an oh so important goal on Friday against Cameroon. Already on cloud nine with Sporting CP, the former Lyonnais is in a very good period.
The terrible disappointment of January, with this elimination from the group stage of the African Cup of Nations, has not yet been completely forgotten but today Algeria is already looking to the future and in particular this Cup 2022 Cup in Qatar at the end of the year. To participate, the Fennecs must first eliminate Cameroon during the play-offs held during this international break. And with a 1-0 victory yesterday on opposing soil, we can say that things are off to a good start, even if we have to finish the job on Tuesday at home in the return match. And this Saturday, all of Algeria can thank a man: Islam Slimani.
Established by Djamel Belmadi against the Indomitable Lions, the 33-year-old striker delivered his team and an entire country with his headed goal scored just before the break. Apart from his achievement, the former Olympique Lyonnais player delivered a quality performance to be elected man of the match by many observers or media. But what stands out from his match is obviously this goal, especially as a huge record is approaching. The Algerian number 13 has just scored his 17th goal in qualifying for a Cup. And it is a certain Didier Drogba who currently holds the record with 18 achievements…
Interesting debut at Sporting CP
During the return match against Cameroon on Tuesday evening (9:30 p.m.), the new center forward of Sporting CP will therefore try to equal this record or even do better, while offering a ticket for the next Cup to his nation. What would offer him another exceptional moment in this period quite happy for him. Because if he returned to the front of the stage in selection, Islam Slimani has already been on cloud nine for a few weeks and his departure from OL at the end of the winter transfer window. In seven Liga Portugal Bwin matches, the latter found the net four times for an assist. A good pass therefore for the Algerian who continues in the jersey of his country.
Islam Slimani is therefore happy and makes people happy. After the match against Cameroon, his partner Riyad Mahrez had no lack of praise for him: “Slimani’s goal? He’s a great striker. I think he scored his fortieth goal there…well, I know because he tells me every day (laughs). We are happy to have him with us.” At 33 and after already 85 caps with Algeria (41 goals), the former Gone is therefore always present in the spotlight. And a new XXL performance in three days to send his nation to Qatar would make the story even more beautiful.
