Algeria refused to bow under pressure on Friday night, snatching a dramatic 1-1 draw with Guinea in a tense CHAN 2024 Group C encounter at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
For most of the second half, it looked as though Guinea were about to breathe new life into their campaign. Ismaël Camara’s precise low drive in the 62nd minute had given the Syli National a precious lead — and, for a while, a glimmer of survival.
But football’s cruel twist came two minutes from time. Abderrahmane Meziane danced past his marker, slipped the ball into the path of Soufiane Bayazid, and the substitute made no mistake, burying the equaliser into the bottom corner to extend Algeria’s unbeaten run and keep their quarter-final hopes in their own hands.
The stakes had been clear from kick-off: Guinea needed victory to keep their dream alive, while Algeria were pushing for early qualification. Algeria started sharper, with Guinea goalkeeper Mory Keïta forced into multiple early interventions, but Guinea’s compact shape and counter-attacking intent kept the contest balanced.
After the break, Guinea’s growing confidence paid off with Camara’s strike, and they nearly doubled the lead when Yakhouba Barry headed over from close range. Coach Majid Bougherra responded with a flurry of attacking changes, and Algeria turned the screw in the final minutes.
Keïta denied Bayazid once in the 88th minute — but couldn’t keep him out moments later. The final whistle left contrasting emotions: Guinea’s campaign was all but over despite their valiant display, while Algeria emerged relieved, their destiny still theirs to shape in the final group game.
Group leaders Uganda sit top with six points, Algeria are now on five, and Guinea end on four with little to show for their fight. South Africa and Niger’s later clash will decide the rest of the group’s picture.
