Algeria will not best Italy’s all-time world unbeaten record of 37 games, as they suffered a shock Africa Cup of Nations defeat to Equatorial Guinea.
The reigning Champions of Africa had hoped they would retain the trophy and at the same time set a new record, surpassing the 37 achieved by Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri in 2021.
However, after 35 matches without defeat, Algeria were undone 1-0 by minnows Equatorial Guinea this evening.
There is the very real possibility that Algeria wouldn’t have seen this run recognised by FIFA anyway, because their official statistics had the streak at 25 going into this game.
This is because the Algerian Federation was not counting a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in October 2019, because it was part of the African Nations Championship tournament.
Only players who represent clubs in their participating country can take part in this competition, so did not have any of the usual Algerian stars based in Europe.
In any case, the loss to Equatorial Guinea means Italy’s record is safe even from unofficial challenges.
Unbelievable scenes as Equatorial Guinea TAKE THE LEAD against reigning champions Algeria!
📺 You can see the final 15 minutes of the game over on Sky Sports Mix right now! #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/dp2XQkCvfs
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 16, 2022
Who cares I would rather they made the World Cup then hold this record
l can live with ltaly holding the world unbeaten record and winning Euros against England in England for many years, if ltaly dont reach the world cup l can watch reruns of their Euro triumph, still provides a lot of satisfaction lol