Guinea bow out of CHAN 2024 after late Algeria equaliser

Guinea’s hopes of progressing in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 came to a heartbreaking end on Monday night, as they were held to a 1–1 draw by Algeria in a tense Group C encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Needing a win to stay alive, the Syli Nationale delivered a spirited performance and stunned Algeria with a 62nd-minute opener from Ismael Camara, who finished off a slick move initiated by Alhassane Bangoura.

Guinea defended bravely and looked poised to claim all three points, but their resistance was undone in the dying moments. In the 89th minute, Algeria’s sustained pressure paid off when Soufiane Bayazid capitalised on a scramble in the box to snatch a dramatic equaliser.

The result confirmed Guinea’s elimination, as they finished their group campaign with four points from four matches, placing them fourth.

Algeria, now on five points from three games, remain second. South Africa, with four points from two matches, were set to face Niger later in the evening. Uganda lead the group with six points from three games, while Niger sit bottom with no points from two outings.

Only the top two teams in Group C will advance to the quarterfinals, making the final round of fixtures decisive for Algeria, South Africa, and Uganda.