Algeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a thrilling 1-0 victory over Côte d’Ivoire at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. The quarter-final clash, played in front of a passionate home crowd, was decided in stoppage time when Aimen Mahious converted a penalty that sent the hosts into wild celebrations.
The game lived up to its billing as a battle between two African football giants, with drama, red cards, and missed chances dominating the evening. Both teams showed attacking intent from the start, creating several opportunities in the opening minutes.
In the 8th minute, Algeria’s Zakaria Draoui almost gave the hosts the lead, but his powerful header struck the woodwork. Côte d’Ivoire responded almost immediately through Aziz Abdoul, who squandered a golden chance in front of goal after being set up by Salifou Diarrassouba.
Algeria kept the pressure on as Youcef Laouafi delivered a brilliant cross to Aimen Mahious, whose header was superbly saved by Ivorian goalkeeper Ayayi Folly in the 11th minute.
The intensity increased in the 19th minute when Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz was sent off for a reckless challenge on Abdoul, leaving the hosts with 10 men. However, minutes later Côte d’Ivoire also went down to 10 men after Kouassi Attohoula was shown a red card for a dangerous foul on Laouafi, keeping the contest balanced.
The second half was equally entertaining, with both sides pushing forward in search of a breakthrough. Algerian defender Choahaib Keddad set up Mahious early in the half, but his header lacked the power to beat Folly. Côte d’Ivoire’s 19-year-old William Sankara then came close with a long-range strike that flew just over the bar.
Mahious continued to be a constant threat, coming close again in the 78th minute with a diving header that was denied by Folly. The Ivorians, too, pressed for a late winner as substitute Mohamed Zougrana fired narrowly over the bar after a brilliant solo run.
Just when the game looked destined for extra time, VAR intervened in stoppage time after Mahious was fouled in the box by Aziz Siahone. The striker kept his composure to slot home the decisive penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Algerian supporters.
With the victory, Algeria advances to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the Niger vs Ghana clash. That match is scheduled to take place at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.
The victory marks another strong performance from Algeria, who are determined to lift the CHAN trophy on home soil.
