Ken Sema Shines with Hat-Trick in Sweden's 4-3 Win Over Algeria
Ken Sema's hat-trick propels Sweden to a thrilling 4-3 victory over Algeria in a friendly match.
Key Points
- • Ken Sema scored a hat-trick in Sweden's 4-3 victory over Algeria.
- • Sweden initially led 4-0 before Algeria rallied to score three goals.
- • The match served as preparation for World Cup qualifiers starting in September.
- • Sema expressed immense joy over his performance, marking a milestone in his international career.
In a thrilling encounter at Strawberry Arena, Ken Sema emerged as the star player for Sweden, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in a 4-3 friendly victory against Algeria. Sema's explosive performance not only helped Sweden secure the win but also marked a significant milestone in his international career, raising his goal tally from two to five.
The match began with a strong start from Sweden, as Sema netted his first goal in the 14th minute, courtesy of a precise assist from Jordan Larsson. He followed up with a second goal just before halftime, making the score 2-0. Early in the second half, Sema completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty kick, a decision initiated by his teammate Yasin Ayari, who graciously allowed Sema to take the shot.
Sweden initially dominated the match, extending their lead to 4-0 after Anton Salétros scored from a free kick. However, the game took a dramatic turn as Algeria mounted a fierce comeback, netting three goals in just 25 minutes. Algeria's goals came from players Bennacer, Benzia, and a late penalty from Bentaleb, bringing the score to 4-3. Despite the pressure applied by Algeria in the closing minutes, Sweden’s robust midfield and defense preserved their slim lead until the final whistle.
Sema's performance has been widely celebrated, with the player expressing his joy by stating, "To score one goal is fantastic, but to score three, that’s something special." Following this victory, Sweden has been unofficially crowned world champions by the Unofficial Football World Championships (UFWC), placing them tenth in the world rankings as they prepare for their World Cup qualifiers beginning in September 2025. This friendly match serves as crucial preparation amid high hopes for the upcoming competition in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, where Sweden will face Slovenia and Kosovo first.
The match illustrated not just individual brilliance but also team resilience as Sweden gears up for the challenges ahead in the international football arena.