CHAN: Algeria beat former champions Libya in opener
Photo credit: Algeria FA media
Algeria beat former champions Libya 1-0 in the 2023 CHAN opener at the newly inaugurated Nelson Mandela Stadium on Friday, 13th January.
Aymen Mahious converted from the spot as hosts Algeria edged Libya 1-0 in the TotalEnergies African Nations.
The penalty came after Aymen Mahious was brought down in the 18-yard box by Libyan goalkeeper Muad Allafi.
Allafi who tried to rectify a misplaced back pass from Libyan midfielder Aboulqassim Rajab foul played the forward and referee Tom Abongike pointed to the penalty spot.
In the 57th minute, Mahious calmly slotted the ball into the top left corner after sending Allafi the wrong way to give Algeria a win.
Madjid Bougherra’s coached side aim at winning their first ever championship on home soil.
The victory sent Algeria at the top of Group A with three points while Libya sit bottom.
Ethiopia and Mozambique will face off in the second game of Group A on Saturday, 14 January at the same venue.