CHAN 2022: Madagascar spring a surprise, Algeria deliver, quarter-final round-up

Algeria survive by the skin of their teeth

Algeria were frustrated by a resolute Ivory Coast defence in the quarter-final, before finally finding release in the closing moments. A penalty in the 96th minute was enough to send the Algerians through. Aymen Mahious, with nerves of steel, did not flinch when converting the spot-kick. The Fennecs now have the right to dream of winning the CHAN. Their best finish so far is 4th place in 2011 (their only appearance before this edition).

This tie against Ivory Coast was never going to be easy on paper, and so it proved on the pitch. The match also had several twists of fate. First came the sending-off of Algerian goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz as early as the 20th minute. Then, fourteen minutes later, Ivorian Kouassi Attohoula Yao was also sent off. Before the final twist and the Algerian penalty in second-half stoppage time, the two sides fought a hard battle. The Algerians had more shots on goal (16 against 9) and more possession (64%).

Senegal, 14 years on

One goal (from the penalty spot), and that was all. Senegal did beat Mauritania (1-0) in the CHAN 2022 quarter-final, but the side coached by Pape Thiaw had to suffer before securing their place in the semi-finals. The Mourabitounes dominated the game by a distance, both in possession (68%) and in shots (18 against 6). Still, the essential point lay elsewhere. Senegal make their mark on their return to this competition after 12 long years away. It will be the Senegalese's first semi-final since 2009. They will face Madagascar on Tuesday 31 January 202.

Madagascar and Niger the heroes

On their debut, Madagascar have pulled off a masterstroke. Their first CHAN ever, and a place in the semi-finals. This Malagasy side, full of flair and daring, made light work of Mozambique in the quarter-final. Final score, 3 goals to 1. The Senegalese will therefore need to be wary of these Barea, who look capable of moving mountains.

📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇬 3-1 🇲🇿

Madagascar booked their place in the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 semi-finals with a victory against Mozambique 💫@Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/nZEDagevk2

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 28, 2023

For their part, Niger defied all predictions. The Mena reached the CHAN semi-finals for the first time, in four appearances, thanks to a 2-0 win over Ghana in the quarter-final. The Nigeriens can thank Harouna Doula. The coach has led the country to all of its successes on the African football scene. The 57-year-old qualified Niger for their first CHAN (2011), won the regional UEMOA tournament in 2010 and then took the Mena to the 2012 AFCON. Next objective: beat Algeria in the semi-final on Tuesday 31 January. The dream is on.

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