Kampala, Uganda — Drama unfolded at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Friday as Algeria snatched a 1-1 draw against Guinea with a last-gasp strike, keeping their unbeaten run alive in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C.
Guinea looked poised for a crucial victory after Ismaël Camara’s stunning goal midway through the second half ignited hopes of survival in the tournament. Camara unleashed a low, right-footed shot from outside the area, sending his teammates and fans into jubilation as Guinea clung to their slender lead.
But Algeria refused to bow out quietly. As the clock ticked down, substitute Soufiane Bayazid found the equalizer in the 88th minute, slotting home after a brilliant assist from Abderrahmane Meziane. The goal sent the Algerian supporters into wild celebration and preserved their team’s unbeaten record.
The result leaves the group delicately poised. Guinea, with four points from four games, now faces an uphill battle to progress, their fate no longer in their own hands. Algeria, moving to five points, stands firm in the hunt for a quarter-final berth, with their final group match still to play.
The first half showcased the stakes at play, with Algeria creating the better chances but failing to break the deadlock against a disciplined Guinea side. Both keepers were called into action, but the teams went into the interval goalless.
After the break, Guinea’s ambition paid off with Camara’s opener, but missed opportunities—including a close-range header from Yakhouba Barry—proved costly. Algeria’s late substitutions injected fresh energy, culminating in Bayazid’s dramatic equalizer.
As the dust settles on this pulsating encounter, Group C remains wide open. Algeria’s resilience shines through as they look to secure their quarter-final spot, while Guinea is left to rue missed chances and ponder what might have been in their CHAN 2024 journey.
News Courtesy of CAF Online
