The 1–1 draw between Guinea and Algeria at CHAN 2024 left contrasting feelings on the two benches. For the Guinean side, the result meant an early exit from the competition; for the Algerians, it kept their qualification hopes alive.
Guinea, led by Souleymane Kamara, took the lead through Ismaël Camara in the 61st minute. However, with just eight minutes remaining, Soufiane Bayazid — coming off the Algerian bench — levelled the score, sealing Sily National’s early elimination. Kamara immediately acknowledged his frustration and took full responsibility:
“We needed to win to stay in the race and, with eight minutes to go, we conceded the equaliser. We came to win, we gave everything, but we were knocked out in the first round — and that wasn’t the goal. I offer my sincerest apologies to the entire Guinean nation.”
The Guinean coach explained his choice for the goalkeeper who started in the qualifying matches and recognised physical fatigue as a decisive factor:
“We played every three days without rest. That took its toll. In football, you also need to take risks, and perhaps we were not bold enough in attack.”
Kamara refused to point to off-field causes for the elimination and defended the need for a long-term plan for Guinean football:
“When you’re eliminated on the pitch, there’s no room to blame external factors. We need to work in a solid way, like other African teams who are ahead today.”
On the Algerian side, Magid Bougherra left the pitch aware of the difficulties, but satisfied to keep his team in contention:
“It was a tough match, on a demanding pitch. We lacked physical freshness and more finishing efficiency. We had chances to ‘kill’ the game and didn’t take them. In African domestic football, finishing is still an area that needs improvement.”
Although admitting Algeria were below their usual level, Bougherra sees the draw as a timely warning:“If we want to go through, we have to win the next game against Niger. The destiny is in our hands.”
The Algerian coach also praised his players’ mindset. “Even without a brilliant day, we didn’t give up and kept pushing for the goal until the end. That’s the mentality that can take us far.”
The match will be remembered as a clash of styles: Guinea, more offensive and direct, against an Algeria built on tactical discipline and strategic patience. In the end, Algerian persistence earned a valuable point; for Guinea, there remained the pride in their commitment — and the disappointment of an early farewell.
Source:Cafonline