Group A is complete at the 2022 African Nations Championship with hosts Algeria living up to expectations by completing a perfect run through the group stage. Algeria defeated Mozambique 1-0 on Saturday to finish with three wins from three matches, all by the same score. Mozambique meanwhile join the hosts in advancing to the quarterfinals despite Saturday’s defeat in a historic achievement for the Mambas, who remained in second position to advance following Libya’s 3-1 win over Ethiopia in the other Group A match.
Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra brought eight new players into his starting lineup with qualification for the quarterfinals already secured and the performance from his team was just enough for the victory. Paradou AC center back Hocine Dehiri met Akram Djahnit’s corner kick with a fine header in the 7th minute for the match’s only goal. Algeria was not at their highest level with the many changes but held off a strong second half charge from the Mambas to maintain their positive momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
Ethiopia could have overtaken Mozambique for second position with a victory over already eliminated but after a positive start the Walias collapsed. Captain Gatoch Panom opened the scoring in the 39th minute from the penalty spot but gave the momentum to their Libyan counterparts after goalkeeper Fasil Gebremichael allowed a 44th minute strike from Ali Arqoub to sneak under him.
Five minutes into the second half another mistake from Gebremichael saw Libya take the lead when he parried Omar Al Khouja’s cross into the air and then desperately slapped the ball right to Abdulati Al Abasi for an easy finish from six yards out. Anis Saltou put the match away for Libya with his penalty area finish in the 78th minute following hard work from Al Abasi and Mohammed El Munir on the left wing.
Scores & Standings
Algeria 1-0 Mozambique
Libya 3-1 Ethiopia
- Algeria 9 points
- Mozambique 4 points
- Libya 3 points
- Ethiopia 1 point
Highlights
Algeria 1-0 Mozambique
Libya 3-1 Ethiopia
