Algeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 as Senegal won with the same scoreline against Mauritania to advance to the CHAN Semi-finals
Ayman Mahious, an Algerian striker, scored the only goal against Ivory Coast, late in added time (90+6) to propel his team to the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN semifinals).
The USM Alger player is currently the highest goal scorer after scoring three goals overall and two penalties throughout this tournament. He was also named Man-of-the-Match on Friday for his outstanding performance against Côte d’Ivoire.
In the post-match conference, the striker said, “God did not disappoint us in this match, and we achieved victory and qualified for the semi-finals. We thank the fans and the technical staff for the support. The scenario of the match was not easy especially since our goalkeeper Guendouz was sent off. Now, we have three days before the semi-finals and we will prepare well for that.”
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To the dismay of the hosts, drama broke out in the 19th minute as Algerian shot-stopper Alexis Guendouz was sent off following a hard shove on Abdoul.
Both teams entered the half with 10 men on the pitch after Kouassi Attohoula was dismissed for a dangerous foul on Laouafi. The Elephants were then reduced to 10 men.
To advance to the final and win their first-ever CHAN championship, Algeria will now play the winner of the semifinal between Niger and Ghana, scheduled for Saturday at 2200hrs E.A.T.
Senegal Advance to CHAN Semi-finals
Senegal Head Coach Pape Thiaw has noted that he is not surprised by his side’s win and qualification to the CHAN Semi-finals. He congratulated Mauritania for having come so far in the tournament.
Pape said, “Our results are not a surprise because we know what we are made of. Today we showed character and I appreciate the boys. Senegal with this status of African champions wherever we go people expect more. We came here with boys hungry to deliver so am not surprised.”
The only goal of the game was a penalty, scored in the 34th minute by Lamine Camara, who received backing from his coach Pape Thiaw, “I prefer we scored the penalty today and miss the other ones. I kept confidence in the same player and today it paid off. We are going step by step but from tomorrow we travel and the attention is completely switched to going all the way.”
Senegal’s 41-year-old coach claims their recent success is the product of the efforts of all Senegalese, as they advance to the semi-final for the first time in 14 years.
Senegal will now face the winner between debutants Madagascar and Mozambique on Saturday at 1900hrs E.A.T.
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