Algeria won its second match of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship CHAN 2022 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ethiopia in front of a packed Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
This victory gave Algeria the group lead.
The hosts advanced in the competition and virtually secured a spot in the knockout rounds thanks to a lone goal by Aimen Mahious in the second half.
As was to be expected, Algeria had an immediate impact against the East Africans, who entered the encounter with confidence after putting forth a resolute performance in their opening match against Mozambique the previous weekend.
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Ethiopia did a good job of keeping Algeria at bay and away from the risky positions despite Algeria having the majority of the possession in the first few minutes.
The result was that the home team was forced to test the goalkeeper from a distance. Ahmed Kendouci made the first attempt, firing from a distance but coming up against an equally alert Farid Chaal, who did well to make the save in the 21st minute.
Chernet Beshah launched a shot from the edge of the box in the 25th minute, but it missed the target by a whisker. Ethiopia nearly stunned the home crowd.
When Mezieane Tahar crossed the ball, Kendouci nearly scored, but Chaal made a diving save. There were only a few seconds left in the first half.
Algeria maintained their strong pressing style into the second half and eventually scored in the 52nd minute after Chouhaib Keddad expertly flicked a corner to Aimen Mahious, who displayed wonderful improvisation to control the ball and score.
After connecting with a beautiful cross from Zineddine Belaid, Mahious came perilously close to doubling his tally in the 67th minute.
In the 77th minute, Tahar’s defense gave him some space on the edge of the box, and the goalkeeper had to parry his fierce shot to safety. This time, Chaal had to step in to save the day.
Kenean Maleko missed a great opportunity to give his team the lead with just the goalkeeper left to beat, but instead he shot straight at Fasil Welderebriel, who did a good job of saving the game and giving the hosts the victory.
Ethiopia will try to win in the final group encounter against a wounded Libya side that sits at the bottom of the standings, while Algeria will finish their Group matches with a tie against a Mozambique team that is confident after defeating Libya in the earlier match.