Latest news with #DesertFoxes
CAF
4 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Survival vs Supremacy: Guinea and Algeria brace for Group C battle
When the sun sets over Kampala's Mandela National Stadium in Uganda on Friday at 1700 Local Time, two sides with vastly different realities will meet under the same fierce spotlight. Guinea steps onto the pitch knowing that anything less than victory could slam the door on their CHAN 2024 dreams. Algeria, on the other hand, can punch their quarter-final ticket early — and send a strong statement of intent to the rest of the tournament. It's a classic case of survival versus supremacy: one team fighting to stay alive, the other striving to cement dominance. Algeria's Iron Wall So far, Majid Bougherra's Algeria have been one of the most tactically disciplined teams in the competition. With four points from their first two games — a clinical win over Congo and a goalless draw with South Africa — they stand atop Group C without conceding a single goal. 'From the beginning, I've said that every game is a final. Tomorrow, we face Guinea, who still believe in their chances. It will be a tough match for both teams. We've had more time to recover and prepare,' Bougherra stated with a blend of caution and confidence. "We've analyzed Guinea's recent games thoroughly, understanding their strengths and weaknesses — though I won't reveal them here.' For the Desert Foxes, victory means breathing room ahead of their final group game, a luxury few teams enjoy in a tournament as unforgiving as CHAN. Guinea's Last Stand Guinea, led by Souleymane Camara, began their campaign with a win over Congo but stumbled against South Africa. Wastefulness in front of goal has been their Achilles heel, but their coach believes the dream is still alive. 'I believe we still have our destiny in our hands. The goal is to win and reach six points, then wait for the other results. There are no excuses. Against South Africa, we played well but lost — tomorrow, we must show a different image, fight from start to finish, and secure the three points,' Camara declared. He has worked on sharpening his side's offensive play in training and singled out midfielder Ismaël Camara for bringing greater control in the middle of the park. Yet he didn't shy away from pointing out a challenge. 'Algeria had more days to rest, and that is an advantage. They are experienced players, used to high-level competitions. Our schedule has been tighter, but we have to deal with it.' Clash of Styles On paper, the match is a meeting of contrasting blueprints. Algeria's compact defence and patient build-up face Guinea's more direct and urgent attacking approach, led by striker Moussa Moïse Camara. 'Against South Africa, we created many chances but lacked efficiency,' Moussa Moïse Camara assured. "We've worked on that aspect and are ready to face Algeria, a very strong and well-organized team. While Algeria will likely stick to their defensive consistency, Guinea knows they can't afford to sit back — three points are the only currency that keeps them in contention. History Won't Play This Match These two sides have met twice in CHAN history, each taking a win. But for Bougherra, the past is irrelevant. 'These are different competitions and teams. We don't focus on the past,' he said. "This will be a high-level match between two teams that enjoy playing good football. May the best team win.' The Stakes Couldn't Be Higher For Guinea, the equation is brutally simple: win or go home. For Algeria, it's about securing a place in the last eight with a game to spare. Both sets of players will step onto the pitch knowing this match could define their CHAN 2024 story. With tension in the air and the Kampala crowd ready for a spectacle, expect a contest full of drama, determination, and possibly the defining moment of Group C.
Morocco World
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
When, How to Watch Ghana vs Algeria in the WAFCON 2025 Quarterfinals
Rabat – The Black Queens of Ghana and the Desert Foxes of Algeria face off in the quarterfinals of the 2025 TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) this Saturday, July 19. The match kicks off at 5 p.m. local time (GMT+1) at Berkane Stadium in Morocco's Oriental Province. Ghana returns to the knockout stages of WAFCON for the first time since 2016, hoping to revive the glory of past tournaments when they reached the final three times (1998, 2002, 2006). After a shaky start, losing 0-2 to South Africa and drawing 1-1 with Mali, the Black Queens secured their place in the quarterfinals with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Tanzania in their final group match. Algeria, meanwhile, have made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time ever after failing to advance in their last five appearances. The team has impressed with a solid defense, finishing unbeaten in Group B thanks to a 1-0 win over Botswana and goalless draws against Tunisia and nine-time champions Nigeria. Their goalkeeper, Chloe N'Gazi, who was named Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage, has yet to concede a goal in the tournament and is expected to be a key figure against Ghana's attack. Both teams are looking to make a statement. Ghana have scored in every game but haven't kept a clean sheet, while Algeria have been defensively perfect but managed only one goal in three matches. Fans can follow the match live on CAF TV (YouTube), which streams matches in many regions around the world. In Ghana, the match will also air on GTV Sports+, while in Algeria, national television channels will carry the broadcast. With a spot in the semifinals at stake, the match promises an exciting clash between Ghana's attacking firepower and Algeria's disciplined defense. Prediction: Algeria 2 – 1 Ghana, with the Desert Foxes advancing to the semifinals. Tags: AlgeriaAlgeria WAFCONGhanawafcon 2025
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Algeria complete double over Rwanda in World Cup warm-ups
JOHANNESBURG: Hosts Algeria completed a double over Rwanda during the international window with a second 2–0 victory in a World Cup warm-up match in Blida on Monday. After Berkane Redouane missed a penalty, Adil Boulbina put the Desert Foxes ahead on 40 minutes, and substitute Naoufel Khacef added a second goal after 71 minutes. Algeria lead Mozambique by three points in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, and victories at home to Botswana and away to Guinea in September would leave them well placed to secure a fifth appearance at the tournament. Rwanda, who have never qualified for a World Cup, sit second in another group, five points behind South Africa with four matchdays remaining. Uganda regained some pride after last week's 3–0 drubbing by Cameroon, drawing 1–1 with the Gambia in the Moroccan town of Berrechid. Rogers Mato gave the Ugandans the lead on 25 minutes, before Alasana Manneh, of Scottish Premiership club Hibernian, equalised by converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Sparta Prague striker Albion Rrahmani scored a hat-trick and Fisnik Asllani completed the scoring as Kosovo defeated the Comoros 4–2 in Pristina. Saïd Bakari had given the Comorans an early lead in the first half, before Rrahmani wreaked havoc. Rafiki Saïd was the other goalscorer for the Indian Ocean side.
CAF
29-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Algeira coach Petković: 'We're among favourites, but AFCON 2025 won't be easy'
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has downplayed expectations of winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 title, insisting there are other capable title contenders. The Bosnian trainer says despite keen on fighting for the title in December, his first goal remains leading the Desert Foxes to the 2026 World Cup in October before focusing on Africa's flagship competition in Morocco. Speaking after Monday's TotalEnergies CAF AFCON draw in Rabat, the tactician acknowledged the challenges awaiting his side in Group E, where they will face Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. 'The draw placed us in a group that is not easy at all,' Petković said. 'There are no small teams at AFCON anymore. Every side that qualified deserves to be here.' Despite Algeria's recent AFCON struggles, including group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023, Petković believes his squad has the quality to progress. However, he emphasized that expectations must be managed. 'It is clear that we are the favourites in the group, and we must bear this responsibility,' he said. 'Our first goal will be to qualify for the second round, and then we will see.' Algeria will play AFCON 2025 campaign against Sudan, a team that surprised many by qualifying. Equatorial Guinea, a nation that has troubled the Desert Foxes in recent tournaments, will also pose a challenge, while Burkina Faso—2021 semi-finalists—have established themselves as one of Africa's strongest teams. Petković acknowledged the familiarity with some opponents, particularly Equatorial Guinea, whom Algeria faced during the AFCON qualifiers. 'We have an idea about our competitors, especially Equatorial Guinea, but we must focus on ourselves instead of overanalyzing the other teams,' he added. While Algeria's fans crave another AFCON triumph, having last lifted the trophy in 2019, Petković has made it clear that his long-term goal is securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 'Right now, the most important thing for us is not the Africa Cup of Nations, but qualifying for the World Cup,' he said. 'If we achieve that, then playing at AFCON will be much easier.' Algeria failed to reach the 2022 World Cup, falling to Cameroon in dramatic fashion in the qualifiers. Petković is determined to avoid a repeat and is prioritizing the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will continue just months before AFCON 2025 kicks off in December. With AFCON 2025 serving as a crucial test, Algeria's performance in Morocco will offer insights into their readiness for World Cup qualification. Despite back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2021 and 2023 AFCONs, Algeria remains a powerhouse in African football. The Desert Foxes boast a squad rich in European-based talent, and expectations will be high for them to at least reach the knockout stages. For Petković, success in AFCON 2025 will not only restore Algeria's status on the continental stage but could also serve as a launchpad for their World Cup aspirations. Algeria's fans will now wait to see how their team balances both objectives as AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21, 2025.
