Algeria salvaged a point in a dramatic 1-1 draw against Guinea in a Group C clash of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The match, which was a "survival versus supremacy" battle according to the CAF Online, saw Guinea take the lead in the second half, only for Algeria to find a late equalizer to keep their unbeaten record intact.
Guinea, desperate for a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Ismaël Camara unleashed a low drive that found the back of the net. The goal sparked the Guinean side, which had been defensively sound for most of the game, and they nearly doubled their lead soon after.
However, Algeria, a team with a reputation for tactical discipline, pressed hard for a leveler. Their efforts paid off in the 88th minute when substitute Soufiane Bayazid slotted home a goal after a well-worked play by Abderrahmane Meziane. The late goal denied Guinea a crucial victory and left their chances of advancing hanging by a thread.
The result leaves Algeria with five points from three games, solidifying their position in contention for a quarter-final spot. Guinea, with four points from four matches, will now have to rely on other results to determine their fate in the tournament.
The match was a tense affair with contrasting styles. Guinea's direct, urgent attacking approach faced off against Algeria's patient build-up and compact defense. While Guinea created several chances, their lack of efficiency in front of goal proved costly. On the other hand, Algeria's resilience shone through, as they fought back to secure a valuable point.
The draw sets up a thrilling finale for Group C, with Algeria's fate in their own hands ahead of their final group match, while Guinea's hopes now rest on other matches.
