Islam Slimani Shines As Algeria Take Big Step Towards Qatar 2022 After Shock Win Against Cameroon

• Islam Slimani's first-half goal was enough to earn Algeria a vital 1-0 win away at Cameroon to keep alive their dreams of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• Cameroon dominated the game played at the Japoma Stadium but could not breach the Algerian defense
• Algeria is seeking to qualify for the World Cup after a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign where they crashed out in the first round

Islam Slimani was the hero for Algeria as the Desert Foxes grabbed a crucial away win in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off tie against Cameroon.

The 33-year-old striker scored the game's only goal in the 40th minute when his glancing header could only be parried in by Cameroon goalkeeper, Andre Onana.

The former Leicester City forward rose highest to meet Youcef Belaili's free-kick to hand Algeria a vital lead ahead of the reverse fixture.

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The Desert Foxes are aiming to redeem their lost pride after crashing out of the African Cup of Nations in the first round early in the year.

A draw in the reverse fixture scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker stadium in Blida will be good enough to secure Algeria their 5th World Cup appearance.

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It was a tough national team debut for Indomitable Lions manager, Rigobert Song as his Cameroonian side failed to shine in front of 50,000 fans in Yaounde.

The Cameroon icon was hired to replace former national team coach, Toni Conceicao after Cameroon failed in their bid to win the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

Song will need to now do the impossible by ending Algeria's 40-game unbeaten run at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker stadium when both teams meet again in the reverse fixture on Tuesday, March 29.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported Rigobert Song will supervise the Indomitable Lions in his first competitive game as head coach of the 2021 AFCON hosts in their World Cup play-offs against Algeria.

Song was appointed as head coach of the Indomitable Lions following the sack of Portuguese tactician António Conceição after Cameroon fell short of their host and win ambitions in the 2021 AFCON.

The retired guardsman is expected to lead his country to an eighth World Cup appearance at the expense of former African champions, Algeria, when both sides clash for one of Africa's five tickets at the World Cup.