CHAN 2022: Algeria eye quarter-final spot, Libya need a response
CHAN 2022: today's fixtures, with Algeria able to book their place in the next round already
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Algeria have a big opportunity to seize on Tuesday. Facing Ethiopia in Group A, the home-based Fennecs can secure a place in the quarter-finals of CHAN 2022 with a win. A victory would take them to six points after their opening win over Libya (1-0). However, they must not underestimate their opponents. Ethiopia are clearly not turning up as sacrificial lambs.
After a goalless draw (0-0) with Mozambique in their opening game of this CHAN, the Ethiopians want to cause a shock. And what better way than to claim the scalp of the host nation? Ethiopia coach Webetu Abate has already fired the first shots. "We are no longer playing the percentages. We will have to attack, score and win," he said at first in a press conference. He then went on to talk about the impact the supporters could have. "We know the Algerian people love football, this game is the number one sport here. But this is not a situation that scares us. I have a group of professionals, every member of my team knows what they have to do".
Here are today's games #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022. ⚽👇 pic.twitter.com/NOU7Me8Qtp
— CAF - FR (@caf_online_FR) January 17, 2023
Libya with their backs to the wall
The day's other fixture pits Mozambique against Libya. While the Mozambicans have already picked up a point at this CHAN, Libya cannot afford another slip, as a defeat could spell the end of their ambitions at CHAN 2022. The Libyans will therefore need to win to live up to their standing, with four appearances at the tournament and a gold medal in 2014.
Read also: CHAN 2022: Ahmed Kendousi, the Algerian maestro
Mozambique, on the other hand, should go into this game more relaxed. The country is only playing in its second CHAN finals after 2014. Indeed, the point taken against Ethiopia is the first in their history in the competition. As a result, the Mozambicans could prove all the more dangerous, with the feeling of a mission already accomplished.
The schedule
Group A
Tuesday 17 January
16:00
Mozambique-Libya
19:00
Algeria-Ethiopia