By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Algeria came behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a World Cup Group J game on Monday, eliminating the Asian debutants from the tournament, with a match to spare.
Despite a 3-0 opening loss to reigning champions Argentina in Kansas City, Lawrence has doubled down on its support.
The city has served as Algeria’s base camp during the tournament, with the African team attracting huge attention even as global heavyweights Argentina, England and the Netherlands set up around 40 miles (64.4 km) away in Kansas City.
Jordan were organised in defence against an Algeria side who dominated possession – and the underdogs took a first-half lead when Nizar Al Rashdan curled home.
But Algeria piled on the pressure after the break and Nadhir Benbouali headed home an equaliser from Riyad Mahrez’s 69th-minute corner.
Amine Gouiri then netted an 82nd-minute winner for Algeria to deny Jordan their first World Cup point.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said his side comeback win over Jordan had given them confidence ahead of their final Group J match against Austria.
“I think ultimately we’ve produced two good performances. We deserve to win this game, and it certainly gives us a lot of confidence and belief ahead of our next match,” said Petkovic at the post-match press conference.
“What mattered for us was to win this match, to stay in the hunt, to make it through to the knockout stage, and ultimately to have our fate in our own hands,” Petkovic said. “Nothing has yet been decided, but we’re in a good position.”
Meanwhile Norway beat Senegal 3-2 at a rain-swept MetLife Stadium as Stale Solbakken’s side joined France in qualifying for the last 32 of the World Cup.