Algeria extended their unbeaten run to 14 games after Islam Slimani’s goal from the spot kick resulted enough for the Desert Foxes to beat Benin in their first game since winning the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

The hosts, who changed venue to the 5 Juillet stadium, came close to scoring as early as the first minute, after Youcef Belaili won a free kick by the corner flag. The winger then delivered the ball for the captain Riyad Mahrez on the edge of the box, who saw his volleyed effort well stopped by the keeper.

Algeria then continued to dominate the first half with Belaili creating chances on the left flank, interchanging passes with Baghdad Bounedjah who was unable to find the target in a number of occasions.

With Benin only registering three shots the whole game, the Desert Foxes continued to find a goal, which eventually came when substitute Yacine Brahimi earned a penalty with his first touch on the ball.

Islam Slimani who came on at the same time as Brahimi stepped up to take the penalty and scored after his initial effort was saved but he was there to put it into the back of the net from the rebound.

However, the goal wasn’t to stand as the referee asked for the penalty to be retaken as the Benin goalkeeper jumped off his line before the penalty was struck. The Monaco striker then found the next with a well taken penalty in the 72nd minute.

The penalty was what decided the friendly encounter, which ended the night with a send off for Rafik Halliche, who played his final game for Les Verts, and a parade around the stadium with the recently won Continental Cup.

Algeria XI: M’Bolhi, Benlamri, (82′ Halliche), Mandi, Bensebaini, Atal, Feghouli, Guedioura (67′ Abeid), Mahrez (77′ Ferhat), Bennacer, Belaïli (67′ Brahimi), Bounedjah (67′ Slimani)

Benin XI : Allagbe, Verdon, Hountondji, Kiki, Assogba, Adeoti (77′ Tijani), Mama, d’Almeida, Dossou (67′ Aguemon), Poté, Mounié (45′ Cebio)