Algeria left it late but salvaged a crucial point after Soufiane Bayazid’s 88th-minute goal secured a 1-1 draw with Guinea in a tense TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C clash at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Friday.
Guinea had looked set for a much-needed win after Ismaël Camara’s well-taken strike midway through the second half put them ahead. But with time running out, Bayazid kept Algeria’s unbeaten run intact, ensuring they remain in the race for a quarter-final spot.
The result leaves Guinea on four points from four games — a tally that all but ends their hopes of progressing — while Algeria moves to five points, just one behind group leaders Uganda, who have six. South Africa and Niger were due to face off later in the evening, a match that could further shake up the standings.
With both sides having everything to play for, the opening 45 minutes were cautious. Algeria enjoyed more possession and forced Guinea goalkeeper Mory Keïta into action early on, denying Aimen Mahious’ header and a curling strike from Abderrahmane Meziane.
Guinea, disciplined in defence, relied on counter-attacks led by Mohamed Bangoura and Alhassane Bangoura but failed to create clear-cut chances. The half ended goalless, with Moussa Camara’s late effort safely gathered by Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya.
The match came alive after the break. In the 62nd minute, Ismaël Camara found space outside the box and drilled a precise low shot into the bottom left corner, sparking wild celebrations from the Guinea bench.
The Syli National nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but Yakhouba Barry’s header from close range flew over the bar.
Sensing danger, Algeria coach Majid Bougherra made bold attacking changes. The pressure mounted, with Diaa Mechid firing over and Bayazid being denied by Keïta in the dying minutes.
But persistence paid off in the 88th minute. Meziane’s clever dribble inside the box created the opening, and Bayazid kept his composure to slot home the equaliser into the bottom corner.
Both teams pushed for a winner in a frantic finale, but the spoils were shared.
The draw means Algeria’s qualification hopes rest on their final group game, while Guinea’s campaign effectively comes to an end.
For Guinea coach Souleymane Camara, it was another case of letting victory slip away. For Algeria, the result underlined their fighting spirit and determination to stay in the hunt for CHAN glory.
