Bayazid’s Late Equaliser Rescues Algeria in CHAN Group C Stalemate with Guinea

Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – Friday, August 15, 2025

Algeria snatched a dramatic late equaliser through Soufiane Bayazid to earn a 1-1 draw against Guinea in a tense TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group C clash on Friday, keeping their quarter-final hopes alive while ending Guinea’s chances of progression.

Ismaël Camara’s well-taken goal midway through the second half looked set to hand Guinea a vital lifeline in their bid to remain in the competition, but Bayazid struck in the 88th minute to preserve Algeria’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

The result moves Algeria to five points from four games, placing them firmly in contention for a spot in the last eight ahead of their final group fixture. Guinea, however, are left stranded on four points and mathematically eliminated from the competition. Group leaders Uganda top the table with six points, while South Africa and Niger are set to face off later in the evening.

With high stakes for both sides — Algeria aiming for early qualification and Guinea desperate to avoid elimination — the opening half was cautious yet competitive.

Algeria started the brighter, creating the game’s first real chances. Guinea goalkeeper Mory Keïta was called into action early, making an impressive save from Aimen Mahious’ close-range header before tipping away Abderrahmane Meziane’s curling effort.

Guinea’s approach was compact and disciplined, relying on pace and width through Mohamed Bangoura and Alhassane Bangoura. However, they struggled to break down Algeria’s well-organised defence. Their best moment of the half came in stoppage time, when Moussa Camara’s low drive was comfortably held by Algerian keeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya, ensuring the teams went into the break scoreless.

The match came to life after the interval, with Guinea pushing forward with renewed purpose. Their efforts were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Ismaël Camara found space just outside the box and unleashed a precise low right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Bouhalfaya with no chance.

The goal energised Guinea, and they almost doubled their lead moments later when Yakhouba Barry headed over from close range following a corner.

Algeria coach Majid Bougherra reacted to falling behind by introducing a triple substitution, bolstering his side’s attacking options. The changes swung momentum back in Algeria’s favour, with Diaa Mechid blazing over from a promising position and Bayazid denied by a superb Keïta save in the 88th minute.

However, just seconds later, the Algerians finally broke through. Abderrahmane Meziane displayed brilliant footwork to cut into the box before squaring for Bayazid, who calmly slotted into the bottom right corner to level the score.

The closing moments were frantic, with Naoufel Khacef testing Keïta from distance, but neither side could find a winning goal before the final whistle.

The draw leaves Group C finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures. Algeria remain in control of their destiny, needing a positive result in their last game to secure a quarter-final spot.

For Guinea, the match was another frustrating chapter in their CHAN 2024 campaign, as they failed to protect a lead and ultimately paid the price. Coach Souleymane Camara will rue the missed opportunities and the inability to kill off the contest when in control.

Algeria, meanwhile, can take confidence from their resilience and ability to deliver under pressure, with Bayazid’s late strike maintaining their unbeaten run and keeping the dream of CHAN glory alive.

Final Score: Guinea 1–1 Algeria

Goals:

Guinea: Ismaël Camara (62')

Algeria: Soufiane Bayazid (88')

Man of the Match: Soufiane Bayazid – for his decisive equaliser and constant attacking threat late in the game.