Belgium boosted by Mpenza

Algeria 1-3 Belgium
Belgium cruised to a comfortable friendly victory against Algeria in Annaba thanks to two goals from Emile Mpenza.

Early opener
Mpenza scored either side of strike-partner Wesley Sonck's goal to give the Belgians a boost ahead of their next UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier in Croatia on 29 March. FC Schalke 04 striker Mpenza broke the deadlock after just two minutes, following up Sonck's shot which had been parried by the Algeria goalkeeper. Five minutes later Sonck controlled the ball in the area before doubling the lead to put Belgium in control.

Belmadi solo
Bart Goor laid on the third for Mpenza in the 57th minute but although Belgium dominated, they were helpless to prevent Manchester City FC's Djamel Belmadi dribbling through to grab a 90th-minute consolation for Algeria.