Ken Sema Leads Sweden to Victory with Hat-Trick Against Algeria
Ken Sema's hat-trick secures a thrilling 4-3 victory for Sweden against Algeria.
Key Points
- • Ken Sema scored a hat-trick in Sweden's 4-3 victory against Algeria.
- • Sema's goals included a penalty for his hat-trick, bringing his total to five for the national team.
- • Despite leading 4-0, Sweden faced a comeback from Algeria with three late goals.
- • Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson emphasized the need for improvement before upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
In a thrilling friendly match held at Strawberry Arena, Ken Sema led Sweden to a 4-3 victory over Algeria, showcasing his talents with a remarkable hat-trick. Sema opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a well-executed finish from a Swedish attack, followed by a second goal just before halftime in the 39th minute that slipped past the Algerian goalkeeper. He completed his hat-trick shortly after the second half commenced with a penalty kick, making it a standout performance as he netted his fifth international goal in 28 appearances.
Besides Sema's impressive display, AIK midfielder Anton Salétros scored his first goal for Sweden with a beautifully curled free-kick that extended the lead to 4-0. However, Algeria responded with vigor, pulling three goals back, including a penalty by Nabil Bentaleb, risking a dramatic equalizer late in the match. Sweden's early dominance dwindled as Algeria mounted a strong comeback, but they successfully held on to secure the win.
Coach Jon Dahl Tomasson praised the youthful squad's performance, despite acknowledging the defensive vulnerabilities that allowed Algeria back into the game. He emphasized that while the victory was commendable, the team had learned valuable lessons about managing leads and maintaining focus, especially with crucial World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo approaching later in the year.
Reflecting on his achievement, Sema expressed immense significance about his performance, stating, "I will always remember this. It has been tough for many years, but I have worked hard for this. Scoring a hat-trick for the national team is something very special." His wife, Sara, shared in his pride, celebrating his success and the joy it brought to their family, particularly with their children present at the match. This match served not just as a testament to Sema's skills but also as an important preparatory step for Sweden as they gear up for the upcoming challenges on the international stage.