For Algeria, the equation is simple: beat Niger or risk an early exit from the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Pamoja 2024.
Victory will secure their place in the knockout stages and keep alive hopes of another deep run in CHAN football.
Coach Madjid Bougherra has cast today’s showdown as the defining moment of their campaign.
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Currently second in Group C with five points, the local Greens cannot afford a slip against Niger, who have already been eliminated with just one point and no goals scored.
A win would not only secure Algeria’s qualification to the quarterfinals but could also open the door to finishing top of the group if Uganda stumble against South Africa.
“Qualification will be decided. Our next match is very important for us because it will determine our qualification for the next round. We hope to finish first in the group, but the main thing is to win. Uganda is in a favorable position,” Bougherra declared on Sunday.
Algeria’s run in Group C began with a commanding 3-0 win against Uganda, underlining their quality. But back-to-back 1-1 draws against South Africa and Guinea revealed issues with consistency and wasted chances.
Bougherra has been candid about the lessons. “We must not play like we did against Guinea,” he cautioned. “If we repeat the same matches as against South Africa or Uganda, that’s where we can go far, Inshallah. Everyone knows what awaits us and what we must do to qualify.”
For the 42-year-old coach, Algeria’s biggest strength remains unity.
“The match against Niger is decisive, but I believe in my players and their ability to win. The real strength of our team is team spirit. That’s what will make the difference on the pitch,” he said.
Yet, one concern continues to haunt Algeria the lack of efficiency in front of goal. “The problem of converting opportunities still haunts us, it’s the same difficulty we encountered during the last CHAN in Algeria. It’s an aspect that requires daily work at the club, but we are making great efforts to improve at this level.”
Though Niger sit bottom of the table with one point, Bougherra refused to underestimate them. “The players are determined to deliver a performance worthy of the national jersey and the supporters. We must take advantage of every opportunity to make a difference,” he said.