2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosts Algeria will have another opponent from West Africa in the form of Niger when the teams clash in Tuesday’s first semifinal matchup. The Greens are heavy favorites to advance to the final after their fourth consecutive 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast thanks to a penalty in the final minutes from Aymen Mathious. Niger continue to enjoy their underdog status and will once again have nothing to lose after reaching the semifinals at the CHAN for the first time in their history.
After their first four matches took place at the newly completed Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, the Algerian team will be in Oran for the occasion of the semifinals but the home support will be just as fierce with tickets selling out within five hours. Coach Madjid Bougherra observed that his squad showed signs of mental and physical fatigue against Ivory Coast but is confident the Fennecs are prepared for the difficult test of passing the late stages. Bougherra praised the experience, strength and aggression of the Nigerien team and stated his team know what to expect.
MC Alger goalkeeper Farid Chaâl will remain in the Algerian goal after stepping in for Alexis Guendouz following the CR Belouizdad shot stopper’s red card against Ivory Coast. Another update in the team is that central midfielder Ahmed Kendouci is available after completing a transfer to Egyptian giants Al Ahly over the weekend. Aymen Mathious and his three goals at the competition will be the focus of the Nigerien defense as well as Algeria’s ability to attack from the flanks, especially through attacking right back Mokhtar Belkhiter. Concerns remain about Algeria’s finishing and lack of variety in attack after their Ivorian opponents controlled the center of the park and dominated the air on crosses.
Algeria will face an experienced Nigerien team and even more experienced coach in Harouna Doula who has masterminded the country’s footballing successes over the last twelve years. Niger forward Yaccine Wa Bassama remarked on his coach’s leadership stating that “(Doula) is always pushing us to do better. He always tells us that it is now or never.” For his part Doula commented that he told his players to “set themselves free” and express themselves on the pitch in order to have the best chance of upsetting the hosts.
Boubacar Haïnikoye’s incredible strike for the second goal against Ghana in the quarterfinals is a strong candidate for Goal of the Tournament and the forward who plays his club football at USGN will need to maintain his excellent form on Tuesday. Bilyamine Moussa and Faysal Abdoulaye are continuing to grow in confidence with their ability to create from the midfield while attackers Seyni Imarana and Abdoul Aziz Ibrahim are physical presences who can get on the end of crosses. Niger’s most reliable department is their defense led by captain Boureima Katkoré which has yet to allow a goal in Algeria and can replicate the troubles Ivory Coast’s defense gave the hosts.
More on both teams is in the links below.
