MATCH FACTS: Algeria seek draw against Niger to advance to quarter-finals
This will be the second CHAN meeting between the nations, but their first in the group stage. Their only previous clash came in the 2022 semi-finals on Algerian soil, when the hosts ran out 5-0 winners. Ayoub Abdellaoui opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Aymen Mahious added a quick double, Niger conceded an own goal on the stroke of halftime, and Sofiane Bayazid sealed the rout in the second half.
That 5-0 victory remains Algeria's biggest win at CHAN and also equals Niger's heaviest defeat in the competition.
Algeria have enjoyed a strong record against West African opponents, never losing in open play across four matches (W2 D2). They have scored seven goals and conceded only once, in a 1-1 draw with Guinea at this edition. Three of those four matches ended with clean sheets.
Niger, by contrast, have struggled against North African opposition. They are winless in three such encounters, losing 5-0 to Tunisia in 2016 and 5-0 to Algeria in 2022, while earning a goalless draw with Libya in 2020. They have never scored in a CHAN match against a North African team, conceding a total of 10 goals.
Niger – Key Facts Already eliminated at the group stage for the third time, after 2016 and 2020. Reached the quarter-finals in 2011 and the semi-finals in 2022.
Currently on a five-game winless run (D1 L4).
Failed to score in their last five matches; last goal was in a 2-0 win over Ghana in the 2022 quarter-finals.
Scored in just one of their last five group games, a 1-0 win over Cameroon in 2022.
Now 500 minutes without a CHAN goal.
First time they have gone three consecutive games at the same edition without scoring.
Goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja made five saves against South Africa to earn their first clean sheet of this tournament.
Have never finished an entire CHAN edition without scoring at least once.
Algeria – Key Facts Reaching the last eight would mark their third knockout appearance (4th in 2011, runners-up in 2022).
Drew their last game 1-1 with Guinea, conceding first for the first time since 2011.
Had scored first in each of their six previous matches that produced goals.
Now nine games unbeaten in open play (W6 D3), last loss was in 2011 against Sudan.
Drawn their last two games, first time they have failed to win successive matches since 2011.
Had not conceded in seven straight matches before letting in two across their last two.
Never previously conceded in three successive games at one CHAN edition.
Two goals conceded at this tournament; their highest tally in a finals is four (2011).
Have never gone three games without a win at CHAN.
Five goals scored so far, three in the second half; Sofiane Bayazid's equaliser vs Guinea came in the 88th minute.
Have never won a CHAN match after conceding first (D3 L1).
Scored in their last nine games, last failed to score in the 2022 final vs Senegal (0-0, lost on penalties).
In 15 CHAN games, their only defeat in open play remains the 1-0 loss to Sudan in 2011.
Have failed to score in just three of their 15 matches, all in knockout or group play in 2011 and the 2022 final.
Have scored in 8 of 9 group games, only blanking in a 0-0 draw with Sudan in 2011.
Undefeated in nine group matches overall (W5 D4).
Managed nine shots on target against Guinea, their most in this edition.
Reda Halaimia attempted 69 passes against Guinea, the highest by any Algerian player so far.
Have scored in three straight matches; only once before have they scored in four in a row (first five games in 2022).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CAF
an hour ago
- CAF
Kenya coach McCarthy warns against complacency, Grant shifts Zambia focus to future
Kenya's unbeaten march into the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 came with a warning from head coach Benni McCarthy — focus must remain as the journey gets tougher. The Harambee Stars defeated Zambia 1-0 in Nairobi to finish top of Group A with three wins and a draw, sparking celebrations among their home fans. But while McCarthy hailed the achievement, his opposite number Avram Grant was already looking ahead, stressing that the tournament had served as a testing ground for Zambia's next generation. McCarthy urges focus after perfect group stage 'I am very happy that the boys have delivered and picked three wins and one draw in the group stage. This has been as a result of hard work and we must remain focused ahead of the quarter final stage,' said McCarthy, who has transformed Kenya into one of the surprise packages of the tournament. The South African tactician admitted that the late strike from Ryan Ogam against Zambia did not fully reflect Kenya's dominance. 'Zambia was stubborn today; they defended and played very well. But, at the end of the day, when we moved the ball the way that we did, and created the chance for Ryan (Ogam), we scored one goal, yet we would have liked them to be more,' McCarthy explained. 'The Group of Death' experience Kenya topped a pool dubbed the 'group of death', which also featured Morocco and DR Congo. McCarthy was quick to point out the toughness of the journey, and could not resist a playful jab towards Tanzania, who will face Morocco in the next round. 'Tanzania, will get their wish, and they will experience what we experienced. The group of death, now Morocco is heading to Tanzania,' he said with a smile. 'I want feedback after the Morocco game, so that they know what we went through every game in this tournament. Good luck to Tanzania.' The Harambee Stars' reward for topping the group is a quarter-final on home soil, something McCarthy views as crucial. 'At the end of the day, I am happy with the win because we get to play our next match in the quarter finals, and we stay in Kenya, and that is all that is important,' he said. Grant praises improvement despite exit For Zambia, the result sealed a winless campaign, but coach Avram Grant chose to highlight the positives, particularly in defensive organisation. 'We showed improvement today, especially defensively. In the other matches, we were even poorer but we have shown good improvement. It's important to know we bought a squad that we wanted to test, how they can fit in the senior team,' the former Chelsea and Ghana boss explained. He added that Zambia's long-term focus lies beyond CHAN. 'I'm not worried about the future of the team, because this tournament is basically for testing and exposing players in the local leagues. We have FIFA windows coming up next and that's where our focus will be, with all the players playing in the abroad leagues available for selection,' he noted. Respect for hosts Despite Zambia's struggles, Grant was gracious towards the hosts as he wrapped up his campaign. 'I really thank Kenya for the hospitality and the warm reception. The atmosphere has been good. I wish you well as you enjoy the rest of the tournament,' he said, addressing Kenyan journalists after the match. Kenya riding momentum As Kenya prepare for their quarter-final, the balance between celebration and caution remains. McCarthy's men have shown resilience in the so-called 'group of death', conceding just once in the group stage, but their coach is intent on keeping minds sharp. With home advantage and an unbeaten run, Kenya enter the knockout stage full of belief. For Zambia, the focus shifts to reshaping their squad for future competitions, with Grant clear that this tournament was only the beginning of a rebuilding phase.
CAF
12 hours ago
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Algeria seek draw against Niger to advance to quarter-finals
Algeria need just a draw against already eliminated Niger to confirm their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 when the two sides meet on Monday. This will be the second CHAN meeting between the nations, but their first in the group stage. Their only previous clash came in the 2022 semi-finals on Algerian soil, when the hosts ran out 5-0 winners. Ayoub Abdellaoui opened the scoring in the 15th minute, Aymen Mahious added a quick double, Niger conceded an own goal on the stroke of halftime, and Sofiane Bayazid sealed the rout in the second half. That 5-0 victory remains Algeria's biggest win at CHAN and also equals Niger's heaviest defeat in the competition. Algeria have enjoyed a strong record against West African opponents, never losing in open play across four matches (W2 D2). They have scored seven goals and conceded only once, in a 1-1 draw with Guinea at this edition. Three of those four matches ended with clean sheets. Niger, by contrast, have struggled against North African opposition. They are winless in three such encounters, losing 5-0 to Tunisia in 2016 and 5-0 to Algeria in 2022, while earning a goalless draw with Libya in 2020. They have never scored in a CHAN match against a North African team, conceding a total of 10 goals. Niger – Key Facts Already eliminated at the group stage for the third time, after 2016 and 2020. Reached the quarter-finals in 2011 and the semi-finals in 2022. Currently on a five-game winless run (D1 L4). Failed to score in their last five matches; last goal was in a 2-0 win over Ghana in the 2022 quarter-finals. Scored in just one of their last five group games, a 1-0 win over Cameroon in 2022. Now 500 minutes without a CHAN goal. First time they have gone three consecutive games at the same edition without scoring. Goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja made five saves against South Africa to earn their first clean sheet of this tournament. Have never finished an entire CHAN edition without scoring at least once. Algeria – Key Facts Reaching the last eight would mark their third knockout appearance (4th in 2011, runners-up in 2022). Drew their last game 1-1 with Guinea, conceding first for the first time since 2011. Had scored first in each of their six previous matches that produced goals. Now nine games unbeaten in open play (W6 D3), last loss was in 2011 against Sudan. Drawn their last two games, first time they have failed to win successive matches since 2011. Had not conceded in seven straight matches before letting in two across their last two. Never previously conceded in three successive games at one CHAN edition. Two goals conceded at this tournament; their highest tally in a finals is four (2011). Have never gone three games without a win at CHAN. Five goals scored so far, three in the second half; Sofiane Bayazid's equaliser vs Guinea came in the 88th minute. Have never won a CHAN match after conceding first (D3 L1). Scored in their last nine games, last failed to score in the 2022 final vs Senegal (0-0, lost on penalties). In 15 CHAN games, their only defeat in open play remains the 1-0 loss to Sudan in 2011. Have failed to score in just three of their 15 matches, all in knockout or group play in 2011 and the 2022 final. Have scored in 8 of 9 group games, only blanking in a 0-0 draw with Sudan in 2011. Undefeated in nine group matches overall (W5 D4). Managed nine shots on target against Guinea, their most in this edition. Reda Halaimia attempted 69 passes against Guinea, the highest by any Algerian player so far. Have scored in three straight matches; only once before have they scored in four in a row (first five games in 2022).
CAF
13 hours ago
- CAF
Kenya edge Zambia to seal top spot in Group A at CHAN 2024
Kenya confirmed their dominance in Group A of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Sunday. Ryan Ogam's decisive strike midway through the second half ensured the Harambee Stars finished unbeaten at the summit of the group, while Zambia exited the competition without a single point. With Morocco beating DR Congo 3-1 in the simultaneous fixture, both Kenya and Morocco progressed to the quarter-finals, leaving the Leopards stranded in third place. Kenya will stay in Nairobi to play Madagascar in the quarter-final on Friday while Morocco travel to face Tanzania in the other last eight match. Ogam delivers when it matters The match was finely balanced until the 75th minute, when substitute Boniface Muchiri found space on the right and delivered a clever ball into the area. Ogam controlled well before calmly slotting past Charles Kalumba in the Zambian goal to send the 27,000-strong Nairobi crowd into raptures. The goal was a reward for Kenya's persistence after dominating possession and creating several openings that were either blocked or denied by Kalumba, who had an outstanding evening despite his side's defeat. Kenya's authority under McCarthy For Benni McCarthy's side, the result was about more than qualification. Already assured of a quarter-final place, Kenya entered the tie determined to underline their credentials as serious title contenders. 'When everybody said Group of Death, we would probably have had zero points after four games, but we found ourselves sitting on top of the mountain, and now we really want to enjoy that view on top of that mountain,' McCarthy said before kick-off. Kenya had already beaten Morocco and DR Congo earlier in the group, results that established them as the surprise package of the tournament. Against Zambia, they showcased tactical maturity and resilience to secure a third victory in four matches, finishing with 10 points and just one goal conceded in the group stage. Zambia's struggles continue For Zambia, the campaign ended in disappointment. The Chipolopolo, once a feared force in African football, bowed out after four straight defeats. Yet coach Avram Grant insisted there were positives to take from the experience. 'Our aim is to win,' Grant had said on the eve of the game. 'Yes, this is our last game, unfortunately. But this tournament was very important for me and for all the staff. It's a new team, and we wanted to see who is available for the national team.' Despite showing flashes of quality, Zambia were unable to convert chances, with Kampamba himself and Prince Mumba both going close. Kenyan goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo stood firm, making key saves at crucial moments. Fans push Stars over the line Kenya's players were quick to salute the support that carried them to victory. Defender Daniel Sakari stressed the importance of the fans' backing ahead of the game. That support was evident in the closing stages, as Zambia pressed for an equaliser. Shikhalo saved brilliantly from Kampamba late on, before Muchiri almost doubled the lead at the other end with a long-range strike that was tipped over. Group A outcome With Kenya's win and Morocco edging DR Congo, the Harambee Stars topped Group A with 10 points, Morocco followed closely with nine, while DR Congo's six were not enough to progress. Angola finished fourth on four points, and Zambia exited bottom with none. Kenya will now remain in Nairobi for their quarter-final to face Madagascar, giving them both momentum and home advantage.
