Algeria Advances to CHAN Semi-Finals After Defeating Niger

Algeria is facing Niger in the semi-finals of the 7th African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday, January 31. The match, played at 20:00 pm (UTC+1) at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, will determine which team advances to the final. In another semi-final match, Senegal will go up against Madagascar.

Algeria reached the semi-finals after a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Aymen Mahious secured a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast on Friday, January 27. Algeria started strong against Niger, scoring three goals within the first 45 minutes, including an own goal by Nigerien Boureima Katakoré just before halftime.

Algerian head coach Madjid Bougherra praised Niger ahead of the match, highlighting their experience, unity, and aggressive play, but these qualities were not enough to stop the Algerians’ dominance. Niger, coming off a strong 2-0 victory against Ghana, struggled to keep up with Algeria’s momentum.

This is Algeria’s second time participating in CHAN, their first appearance being in 2011 in Sudan. They finished the group stage with a perfect record, topping Group A with nine points and a clean sheet.

Niger’s head coach Harouna Doula and player Boubacar Somana also addressed the media before the match, but despite their efforts, Algeria was cruising to victory.

The CHAN final will take place on February 4. Defending champions Morocco did not participate in this year’s tournament due to a political dispute with Algeria.