Algeria preserved their unbeaten run at CHAN 2024 with a dramatic late equaliser that left Guinea’s tournament hopes hanging by the thinnest of threads at Kampala’s Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Soufiane Bayazid struck with just two minutes remaining to cancel out Ismaël Camara’s second-half opener, ensuring the Desert Foxes remain masters of their own destiny heading into the final round of Group C fixtures. The result was harsh on Guinea, who had defended resolutely and looked destined for a crucial victory that would have kept their qualification dreams alive.
The opening period was a tactical chess match between two sides acutely aware of what was at stake. Algeria enjoyed the better chances, with goalkeeper Mory Keïta producing smart saves to deny Aimen Mahious and Abderrahmane Meziane as the Desert Foxes probed for an early breakthrough. Guinea’s approach was more pragmatic, staying compact whilst looking to exploit pace on the flanks through the Bangoura brothers.
Neither side could establish dominance before the interval, with defences on top and clear-cut opportunities at a premium. The pattern looked set to continue after the restart until Guinea conjured a moment of magic just past the hour mark.
Camara’s strike was the game’s defining moment until the dramatic finale. The midfielder found space twenty-five yards from goal and unleashed a crisp drive that nestled in the bottom corner, sending the Guinean supporters into raptures. Suddenly, survival was within reach for Souleymane Camara’s men.
Algeria’s response was swift but initially ineffective. Manager Majid Bougherra shuffled his pack with a triple substitution, seeking fresh impetus in the final third. The pressure mounted as the clock ticked down, with Bayazid going agonisingly close in the 88th minute only to be denied by Keïta’s reflexes.
But persistence paid off in the dying moments. Meziane’s incisive run and pass created the opening Bayazid needed, and this time the substitute made no mistake with a composed finish that broke Guinean hearts and maintained Algeria’s momentum.
The point leaves Algeria well-placed to secure their quarter-final berth, whilst Guinea must now hope for unlikely favours elsewhere to extend their stay in Uganda. For the neutral observer, it was a compelling reminder of why knockout football remains the most unforgiving format in the sport.
