CHAN 2022 Group A: Algeria v Mozambique, winner will top the group
CHAN 2022 hosts Algeria take on Mozambique in the third and final round of matches in Group A.
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Algeria have already booked their place in the quarter-finals of "their" CHAN. Driven on by their home crowd, Madjid Bougherra's men did the job by winning their opening two games in Group A. Even so, the Fennecs A' intend to go all out in their third match against Mozambique on Saturday 21 January at 19:00 (GMT).
"Yes, we're through, but we're treating every match like a final. The aim is clear: keep winning and finish top of this group. The players have recovered well and are ready to help the team. We'll see whether there are changes or not. I'm lucky to have a big squad that's ready to start any match," Madjid Bougherra explained at a press conference.
For this third and final group game, the hosts will face opponents who, on paper, look tougher than Libya (1-0) and Ethiopia (1-0). Mozambique are second in the table with 4 points on the board.
A draw is enough to send the Mambas through to the quarter-finals, but they will not hold back from making life difficult for the Algerians. And why not take all three points in this match and finish top of the group?
A significant absentee in the Algeria ranks
"Mozambique are a very tactically disciplined side, and most of the players play for the senior team. We're very focused on their strengths. Against Libya they showed they have resources. We must stay focused for 90 minutes, they can test your patience, they are a side who like to play, they know how to use the ball. We are ready for every scenario," the Verts A' coach warned.
Captain and leader of Madjid Bougherra's group, Ayoub Abdellaoui, who has an ankle injury, will not take part in this decisive match for top spot in the group. "Abdellaoui came off injured with an ankle problem," Bougherra explained. "He is out. His injury is progressing well, and if all goes well he will be with us next week."