By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (January 21^st 2023)

The First Business Stage – Group A

Sadly the political differences between North-African neighbours Algeria and Morocco proved insurmountable. The seventh CHAN – an opportunity for locally based African talent to showcase itself – will take place without the defending champions Morocco. They have been denied the opportunity to achieve an historic triple consecutive.

The hosts, Algeria got the tournament underway with a 1-0 win against Libya courtesy of an Aimen Mahious penalty after the striker was fouled by goalkeeper Muad Allafi after a poor back-pass on January 13^th.

That followed an opening ceremony marred by racist taunts against Morocco and a politically charged speech by Nelson Mandela’s grandson Chief Mandla Mandela.

The following day Mozambique and Ethiopia drew 0-0.

The second round of matches in Group A saw a thrilling 3-2 win by Mozambique. It was an exceptionally entertaining match. Libya took the lead through an own goal by Francisco Muchanga. It was followed by an incredible ten minutes that saw Mozambique take a 3-1 lead – all three scored by different substitutes. After 74 minutes Melque Alexandre equalised. Nene gave Francisco Queriol’s team the lead after 80 minutes and Lau King gave Mozambique breathing space that was ruined by Anis Saltou as added time was drawing to a close.

Changes

Libya had pulled one back, but it was too late – Corentin Martins’ team became the first to be eliminated. Ethiopia put up a good fight but were beaten 1-0 by Algeria. Mahious scored the winner again to send Madjid Boughera’s team into the knockout stage after a man of the Match performance by Abderrahmane Meziane. He made it clear that he considered Algerian supporters to be the legends he held in the highest esteem rather than former players. Boughera enthused over Rabah Madjer’s visit to the team and detailed how it raised the spirits of his team.

A draw will be enough to send both Mozambique and the hosts through regardless of the result in Ethiopia’s tie against Libya. Both Boughera and Cheriol made it clear that there would be changes for their final match of Group A.