Goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan emerged as the hero of the day, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to propel Ghana into the last four for the first time in nine years.

The Black Queens started the match on the front foot and thought they had broken the deadlock midway through the first half when Stella Nyamekye found the back of the net. However, the goal was chalked off after a VAR review.

Ghana maintained their dominance throughout the first half, with Doris Boaduwaa and Chantelle Hlorkah both coming close to opening the scoring.

In the second half, head coach Kim Lars Björkegren made key changes, introducing Evelyn Badu for Nyamekye, followed by Princella Adubea replacing Princess Marfo. Badu later had a golden chance to snatch a late winner but fluffed her effort, sending the match into extra time.

The Black Queens started extra time cautiously but ended on a strong note, creating two clear-cut opportunities through Boaduwaa. Unfortunately, the striker was unable to convert either of her one-on-one chances.

In the ensuing shootout, Konlan’s brilliance between the posts proved decisive, with Ghana winning 4-2 on penalties to advance.

Ghana will now face host nation Morocco in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. Kick-off is set for 19:00 GMT.

This semifinal appearance marks Ghana’s first since 2016 under Swedish coach Kim Lars Björkegren. The Black Queens will be aiming to overcome a formidable Moroccan side—last year’s finalists—in a bid to secure their first WAFCON final berth since 2006.

Ghana will lock horns with the North African side at the Stade Municipal de Berkane at 16:00 GMT, with a place in the tournament’s last four at stake.

Despite conceding in all three group stage matches, the Swedish tactician expressed confidence in his team’s ability to raise their level.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Bjorkegren praised Algeria’s defensive organisation but insisted the Black Queens will do everything possible to unsettle them.

“Algeria are a really well-organised team, especially in defense, and they have a good goalkeeper,” Björkegren told the press on Friday.

“We’ve talked about the need to make it a little more difficult for her.

“We can’t just shoot from 45 meters and hope for the best. We need to create better chances and be clinical when those opportunities come; no need to look for fancy goals.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but I believe in the players. I’m sure they’ll put in a good performance,” he added.

The Black Queens are eyeing a semifinal berth after progressing from the group stage with one win, one draw, and one loss.

READ ALSO

• Stonebwoy rallies behind Black Queens ahead of WAFCON quarterfinal
• Black Queens coach anticipates tough WAFCON quarterfinal against Algeria

Ghana will take on the North African side on Saturday, July 19, at the Stade de Berkane, with a place in the semifinals of the 2024 WAFCON at stake.

The Black Queens advanced to the last eight after a dominant 4-1 victory over Tanzania in their final Group C fixture. Algeria, on the other hand, progressed from a tough Group B, finishing second and remarkably not conceding a single goal during the group stage.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Coach Björkegren praised Algeria’s defensive strength but stressed the importance of precision in front of goal.

“Algeria are a really well-organised team, especially in defense, and they have a good goalkeeper,” Björkegren told journalists.

“We’ve talked about the need to make it a little more difficult for her. We can’t just shoot from 45 meters and hope for the best. We need to create better chances and be clinical when those opportunities come — no need to look for fancy goals.”

The Swedish tactician acknowledged the tough task ahead but expressed confidence in his squad.

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but I believe in the players. I’m sure they’ll put in a good performance,” he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

READ ALSO

• Black Queens urged to show confidence ahead of Algeria clash
• Black Queens coach anticipates tough WAFCON quarterfinal against Algeria

The Black Queens will take on Algeria on Saturday, July 19, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

Speaking exclusively to Asempa FM, Stonebwoy urged the national team to bring glory to Ghana by advancing to the finals. He also called on Ghanaians to throw their support behind the team.

“I enjoy women’s football more than men’s football and have been following it, especially the new player Chantelle Boye. I’ve been doing videos to encourage them,” he said.

“Myself, and I believe all Ghanaians, are rallying behind them, so they should make us proud by beating Algeria this Saturday,” the musician added.

Stonebwoy also expressed his desire to meet the team upon their return from the tournament.

The Black Queens finished second in Group C after a mixed run—falling 2-0 to defending champions South Africa, drawing 1-1 with Mali, and sealing a 4-1 win over Tanzania in their final group match.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

READ ALSO

• Black Queens coach anticipates tough WAFCON quarterfinal against Algeria
• Black Queens urged to show confidence ahead of Algeria clash

The North Africans will take on the Black Queens on Saturday, July 19, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, with a place in the semifinals at stake.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Benstiti described the fixture as a finely balanced contest.

“Football at the quarter-finals is 50/50,” he said. “It is not a problem for us [that we have only won one game]. We want to be more efficient against Ghana. That is our problem to resolve.”

The Algerian trainer expressed confidence in his team’s offensive play but admitted they must improve their finishing if they are to progress.

“We hope to continue to play offensively, and we will try to be more efficient. I hope that it will be a very great game.”

Algeria booked their place in the last eight after recording one win and two draws in the group stage. Ghana, meanwhile, advanced with a win, a draw, and a loss.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Ghana will take on Algeria on Saturday, July 19, in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.

The Black Queens endured a mixed group-stage campaign, recording one win, one draw, and one loss.

Algeria, by contrast, progressed with an unbeaten record—two draws and a win—without conceding a goal.

Addressing the media ahead of the crucial tie, the Swiss tactician encouraged his players to embrace the challenge rather than fear it.

“At the end of the day, we need to take this opportunity. We need to not be scared out there. Instead, see it in the opposite way—that we actually have a great chance to go to the next round,” Björkegren said.

“So just be there, do our best, and I’m sure we have a good chance to go to the next round,” he added.

Kick-off for the eagerly awaited encounter is scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

The crucial knockout tie is set for Saturday, July 19, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Björkegren — who took charge of the Black Queens just five months ago — acknowledged the strength and discipline of the Algerian side.

“The Algeria team is very organised, maybe potentially the best-organised team in this tournament,” Björkegren said.

“It shows that the coach is doing a good job there, and it’s going to be a difficult game for us for sure. We need to do our things; we need to keep building.”

He also noted the youthful nature of his squad and their steady progress.

“We are pretty new as a team, and we have many young players. I’ve only been with the team for five months, so we can see that we’re doing better and better, more or less in every game,” he added.

Ghana will be aiming to extend their impressive run in Morocco as they seek a place in the semi-finals.

Ghana progressed to the knockout stage after finishing second in Group C with four points from three matches.

The Queens endured a difficult start to their campaign, suffering a 2-0 defeat to reigning champions South Africa before settling for a 1-1 draw against Mali.

However, they bounced back in their final group match, producing a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania to seal their spot in the last eight.

Their crucial win against Tanzania secured second place in the group standings and booked a quarter-final date with Algeria on Saturday, July 19, at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.

The Black Queens, returning to the WAFCON stage for the first time since 2018, are aiming to make a strong impression in the tournament.

Dozens of others were injured when a security barrier collapsed, with fans surging forward to celebrate before falling on to the lower tier of the 5 July Stadium in Algiers, according to local media.

More than 70 people have been treated in three hospitals, the health ministry says, adding that most have since been released.

Players and staff from MC Alger have gone to the hospitals to donate blood to the injured, reports the news agency Reuters.

The stadium was packed for the game that saw MC Alger retain the league title they won last year.

During the match the mood was celebratory, with green smoke from flares engulfing the stadium.

Following the tragedy, the presentation of the league trophy was postponed.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

MC Alger won the league for a second year in a row after drawing 0-0 against NC Magra.

On Sunday, Mali accused its northern neighbour of being a sponsor and exporter of terrorism after Algeria attacked one of its drones last week.

A strongly worded statement from Mali’s foreign ministry challenged Algeria’s earlier explanation that the unmanned surveillance aircraft had violated its airspace.

The statement described the downing of the drone as a “hostile premeditated action”. Algeria described the allegations as “lacking in seriousness [and they]… warrant no attention or response”.

Mali’s armed forces are fighting ethnic Tuareg separatists in the north. They have a stronghold in the town of Tinzaoutin, which straddles the Mali-Algeria border.

The shooting down of the drone raised diplomatic tensions, as Mali, along with its allies Niger and Burkina Faso, recalled their ambassadors from Algiers.

Last year, the three junta-led countries formed a regional bloc, the Alliance of Sahel States, known by its French acronym AES.

In their joint statement condemning Algeria, they said the shooting down of the drone “prevented the neutralisation of a terrorist group that was planning terrorist acts against the AES”.

Mali has also summoned the Algerian ambassador in Bamako over the incident, declaring that it would file a complaint with “international bodies”. It also withdrew from a regional security grouping that includes Algeria.

In its response on Monday, Algeria said it noted the Malian and AES statements with “deep dismay”. It described Mali’s allegations as an attempt to divert attention away from its own failures.

It also said this was the third violation of its airspace in recent months.

“Due to the repeated violations of our airspace by Mali, the Algerian government has decided to close it to air traffic coming from or to Mali, effective today,” Algeria’s defence ministry said on Monday.

Last Wednesday, Algeria acknowledged that it had shot down an “armed reconnaissance drone” close to Tinzaoutin saying it had “penetrated our airspace over a distance of 2km”.

But the junta in Bamako denied that the drone had violated Algeria’s airspace. It said that the aircraft’s wreckage was found 9.5km inside its borders.

Giving more details on Monday, Algeria said that the aircraft had entered its airspace “then exited before returning on an attack trajectory”.

Mali regularly accuses Algeria of giving shelter to Tuareg armed groups.

The north African country once served as a key mediator during more than a decade of conflict between Mali and the separatists. Their relations have soured since 2020 after the military took power in Bamako.

Algeria recently deployed troops along its borders to prevent the infiltration of militants and weapons from jihadist groups who operate in Mali and other countries in West Africa’s Sahel region.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) had approved RS Berkane’s kit to be worn in continental competition, despite the fact the map included the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

The design is seen as a political provocation in Algeria and caused a row which saw both legs of last season’s Caf Confederation Cup semi-final tie between Berkane and Algerian club USM Alger called off.

A Caf disciplinary committee awarded Berkane two 3-0 victories, and Caf subsequently dismissed an appeal from USM Alger.

The Algerian club and Faf took the case to Cas, which has ruled the shirts are contrary to Caf regulations and the laws of world governing body Fifa and annulled the decision by the Caf appeals body to maintain the approval of the shirts.

USM Alger hailed a “well-deserved victory” that “enhances the team’s rights and supports the principles of sports justice” in a post on social media.

Caf has been contacted for comment.

What did Cas rule?

Cas determined the extended map on Berkane’s shirt depicts “a message, a demonstration or propaganda of a political nature” as it represents “the assertion of a territorial dispute that is contested and still unresolved”.

The Lausanne-based body also stated that, under Caf’s regulations and Fifa laws, it is prohibited to convey any content of a political nature on all equipment.

The Cas decision included the assertion Caf “is bound to respect and implement the duty of political neutrality”.

The outcome of the case will have no bearing on the final result of the 2023-24 Confederation Cup, which was won by Egyptian club Zamalek after Berkane received their walkover to the final.

USM Alger and Berkane could meet again in the semi-finals of this season’s competition.

Why is the extended map controversial?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: RS Berkane took to the pitch for the second leg of last year’s Confederation Cup semi-final tie but USM Alger did not emerge from their dressing room

Algeria and Morocco share a nearly 2,000 km (1,242 miles) border, which has been a source of tension since independence from French colonial rule.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries are also frosty and the long-running dispute about Western Sahara, a sparsely-populated territory annexed by Morocco in 1975, has also strained relations.

Its indigenous Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front and with a government in exile in Algeria, mounted a 16-year-long insurgency that ended with a United Nations-brokered truce in 1991.

The extended map of Morocco, including the territory of Western Sahara, does not correspond to official cartography of the country as published by the UN.

Berkane had their shirts confiscated by customs officials on arrival in Algeria for the first leg of their Confederation Cup clash last April and refused to wear an alternative shirt.

USM Alger declined to take to the pitch in the second leg in Morocco.

The extended map has also caused issues in other sports, as Algeria withdrew from the Arab Youth Handball Championship last year because the Moroccan side were “wearing shirts with political connotations”.

Algeria’s Dominance

Already assured of first place in Group E, Algeria showed no signs of complacency at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.

The Fennecs, unbeaten in their last 19 AFCON qualifiers, extended their streak with a commanding display that further underscored their dominance.

Liberia stunned the home crowd early with a sixth-minute goal from Sampson Dweh, but Algeria responded swiftly.

Aïssa Mandi equalized in the 20th minute before Riyad Mahrez gave the hosts the lead with a deft header in the 29th minute.

The second half belonged entirely to Algeria, as Baghdad Bounedjah, Amine Gouiri, and Mohammed Amoura all found the net to complete the rout.

Gouiri’s goal—a sublime finish to the bottom left corner—stood out as one of the match’s highlights.

Algeria finished the group stage with 16 points, scoring 16 goals and conceding just two.

Their unbeaten run and defensive solidity further cement their status as one of the favorites heading into Morocco 2025.

Togo Salvages Pride

In Lomé, Togo ended their qualifying campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over second-placed Equatorial Guinea.

Despite being eliminated from the tournament, the Sparrowhawks showed resilience, snapping a three-game losing streak in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualifiers.

Yaw Annor opened the scoring in the 14th minute, while Kevin Denkey doubled the lead early in the second half with a stunning long-range strike.

Annor capped off a brilliant individual performance with his second goal in the 87th minute.

For Equatorial Guinea, the defeat had no bearing on their qualification for AFCON 2025, as they had already secured their spot.

However, the loss ended their 10-game unbeaten run in qualifiers, exposing vulnerabilities that may require attention ahead of the tournament.

Group E Final Standings

• 1st: Algeria – 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw)
• 2nd: Equatorial Guinea – 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses)
• 3rd: Togo – 5 points (1 win, 2 draws, 3 losses)
• 4th: Liberia – 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses)

The 17-year-old had topped the scores in qualification and improved on that performance with a score of 15.700 from the judges following a flawless fast-paced routine which featured a number of complex release-and-catch manoeuvres.

“I’m so shocked, it’s the dream of all my life. I can’t believe it has happened, I’m speechless,” she said.

Nemour’s success also provided Algeria with its sixth Olympic gold since first competing in Tokyo in 1964.

The North African nation last topped the podium at London 2012, when Taoufik Makhloufi won the men’s 1500m.

Last year Nemour, who was born in Saint-Benoit-la-Foret, France, became the first African to claim a world championship medal in gymnastics when she took silver in the uneven bars final in Antwerp.

And she went one better at the Bercy Arena on Sunday as Qiu Qiyuan of China, the reigning world champion, finished second with a score of 15.500 and American Sunisa Lee took bronze.

“In qualifying, I had 15.600,” Nemour said.

“When I saw her (Qiu’s) 15.500, I really had to fight and gave the performance of my life.

“It’s crazy, I’m honoured to have this medal after all that has happened, it’s a relief.”

The defending Olympic champion, Belgium’s Nina Derwael, ended the competition in fourth.

Nemour switched to represent Algeria, the country of her father’s birth, last year after a dispute with France’s gymnastics federation over her return to action following a knee injury.

First Olympic medal for Cape Verde

Image source: Getty ImagesImage caption,

David de Pina was beaten in his boxing semi-final at Paris 2024 by an opponent who won an Olympic gold in 2016

Cape Verdean boxer David de Pina was forced to settle for a bronze medal after losing his men’s 51kg semi-final bout against Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekhistan by unanimous decision.

De Pina had made history by securing a first Olympic medal for his island nation but was unable to reach the final against an opponent who was seeded second in the competition.

The 27-year-old was Cape Verde’s flagbearer during the opening ceremony of the Paris Games on the Seine.

Meanwhile, Cameroon-born Cindy Ngamba guaranteed the Refugee Olympic Team their first medal in history after comfortably winning her women’s 75kg quarter-final in Paris.

Ngamba, who moved to the UK aged 10, beat France’s Davina Michel with a unanimous points decision to reach the last four and win at least bronze.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Nigeria reached the quarter-finals of the women’s basketball competition with a 79-70 win over Canada.

D’Tigress are the first African side, male or female, to reach the last eight of an Olympic basketball tournament.

“I hope young girls are watching this. I’m the first but I should not be the last,” coach Rena Wakama said.

“If we invest in Africa, we’re capable of doing amazing things, but we [have] got to put some eyes on Africa and develop the game there. It starts with grass roots.”

Nigeria will discover who they will face in Wednesday’s quarter-finals when the group stage concludes on Sunday evening.

In their second group match of the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) held in Cairo, Ghana showcased dominance over Algeria, securing a commanding 5-0 victory.

Yusif ignited the scoring spree in the 7th minute, followed swiftly by Hamza in the 10th minute. Captain Opencil extended the lead with another goal in the 18th minute, before a timeout was called in the 24th minute.

Exciting Maestro Mubarak capitalized on the momentum just before halftime in the 25th minute. In the second half, Mubarak displayed his prowess once more in the 42nd minute, while Timothy sealed the win with a goal in the 49th minute.

Mubarak’s exceptional performance rightfully earned him the Man of the Match title for the second time.

He said the MVP Award has inspired him to do more for his country. He urged Ghanaians to pray for them to defend the cup and go to the World Cup.

Both legs of the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final between USM Alger and RS Berkane were called off because the latter club insisted on wearing a strip bearing a map of Morocco which includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

The map is seen as a political provocation in Algeria.

Faf and USM Alger have asked Cas to rule that the Berkane shirt “contravenes the laws of the game, Confederation of African Football (Caf) regulations and Fifa rules”.

The world governing body’s equipment regulations state that no item of kit which includes political statements or images may be worn.

Cas said an arbitral panel is being appointed, but did not give any timescale on when the case would be heard.

The Switzerland-based organisation added that written submissions from all parties, which include Caf, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) and RS Berkane, are being exchanged.

“Once constituted, the arbitral panel will issue instructions for the next phase of the proceedings, including the holding of a hearing,” a statement on the Cas website said.

Berkane appear set to progress to the final of the Confederation Cup, having been handed a 3-0 win in the first leg despite refusing to play in Algeria after their shirts bearing the disputed map were confiscated.

The RMFF says Berkane have been awarded another 3-0 win – and will progress to the final 6-0 on aggregate without a ball being kicked – but Caf has not made an official announcement on the matter.

The final is scheduled to be held over two legs on 12 and 19 May.

Disputed territory leads to call-offs

IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES

Image caption: The map of Morocco at the centre of the row includes the disputed territory of Western Sahara

Algeria and Morocco share a nearly 2,000 km (1,242 miles) border, which has been a source of tension since independence from French colonial rule.

The border is currently closed between the countries and Algeria severed diplomatic ties three years ago.

A long-running dispute about Western Sahara, a sparsely-populated territory annexed by Morocco in 1975, has also strained relations.

Its indigenous Sahrawi people, led by the Polisario Front and with a government in exile in Algeria, mounted a 16-year-long insurgency that ended with a UN-brokered truce in 1991.

Against that backdrop, Algerian customs officials seized RS Berkane’s kit on the squad’s arrival in the country last month.

The Moroccan side refused to wear alternative shirts and did not emerge from their dressing room for kick-off in the first leg on 21 April.

Host side USM Alger were punished with a 3-0 defeat by a Caf panel, and an appeal against the decision was rejected by the continent’s governing body.

A Caf committee has previously granted permission for Berkane to wear the shirts with the extended map, and Faf and USM Alger failed in a bid to overturn that in a previous request to Cas on 26 April, two days before the second leg.

USM Alger travelled to Morocco for the return tie but did not take to the field on Sunday, and the match was cancelled.

The Algerian club’s hopes of retaining the Confederation Cup title now appear to lie with the case at Cas.

Zamalek await in the final, with the Egyptian giants scheduled to be away from home in the first leg on 12 May before the return tie in Cairo seven days later.

Belmadi’s exit came a day after the Desert Foxes’ shock 1-0 loss to Mauritania, which meant the 2019 winners finished bottom of Group D in Ivory Coast.

Kadri announced he was stepping down in a post-match television interview after Tunisia’s 0-0 draw with South Africa in their final Group E game in Korhogo on Wednesday.

“My mission at the head of the Tunisian national team is now over,” Kadri is reported to have said.

Belmadi, 47, took over as coach of the Desert Foxes in August 2018 and signed a contract extension a year ago to remain in the post until 2026.

Kadri was appointed after the 2021 Afcon finals and the 52-year-old led the Carthage Eagles to qualification for the 2022 World Cup, where the North Africans went out in the group stage.

Their departures are the latest in a remarkable series of coaching departures at the ongoing finals in West Africa.

Hosts Ivory Coast dismissed boss Jean-Louis Gasset earlier on Wednesday – even though the Elephants still had hopes of progressing to the last 16 as one of four best-ranked third-placed teams.

On Tuesday, Tom Saintfiet resigned as coach of The Gambia after the Scorpions finished bottom of Group C while Ghana sacked Chris Hughton after the four-time champions suffered an early elimination.

Belmadi leaves after Algeria’s ‘bitter exit’

Born in Paris, Belmadi captained Algeria at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations and, as coach, he guided his country to the Afcon title in 2019 in Egypt.

But their defence of the trophy in Cameroon two years ago was short-lived, as their 35-match unbeaten run came to an end and the North Africans finished bottom of their group.

Walid Sadi, president of Algeria’s football federation, said their 2023 Afcon campaign ended with “a bitter exit” in a series of messages posted on X.

“I met with Djamel and we reached an amicable agreement to dissolve the association,” Sadi said.

“We thank Djamel for everything he did for the team and wish him good luck in the rest of his career.”

“We apologise to the fans of the national team and the Algerian people after we worked hard and provided ideal conditions for our players to shine.”

Just three months after their early exit from the 2021 finals Algeria also failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, losing on away goals in a play-off against Cameroon after conceding a last-gasp goal in the second leg at home.

But Belmadi stayed on and Les Verts had the best record of any team in qualifying for the 2023 finals.

Sadi said there would be “a real revolution” to restore Algeria’s position “continentally and internationally”.

“We promise to correct the mistakes of the past with one goal: to put the train back on track, and to renew the days of brilliance and victories for Algerian football,” he added.

Kadri quits after failing to hit target

Kadri took over Tunisia on a permanent basis following their quarter-final elimination at the 2021 edition of Afcon, replacing Mondher Kebaier.

When the Carthage Eagles failed to make it past the group stage at the 2022 World Cup – despite pulling off a shock win over then-defending champions France – he offered his resignation.

However, the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) rejected it and instead extended his contract for 12 more months.

The North Africans finished bottom of their group in Ivory Coast, falling to a shock 1-0 defeat against Namibia before draws with South Africa and Mali.

Speaking after the draw with South Africa, Kadri said his contract would automatically expire because Tunisia had failed to reach the semi-finals, which was the minimum requirement of the FTF.

When asked if he had officially resigned, Kadri responded: “This is my decision and in my contract.”

Kadri said he bore full responsibility for Tunisia’s disappointing end to their campaign.

“The defeat against Namibia in the first match affected us psychologically, and we shouldn’t have lost,” he said.

“We improved against Mali, and against South Africa, but we were not efficient in attack.”

Centre-back Yali Dellahi swept home the winning goal late in the first half to stun the two-time Afcon winners.

Defeat means 2019 champions Algeria exit the tournament at the group stage for the second successive edition.

They finish bottom of Group D while Mauritania will definitely progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Mauritania will face surprise Group B winners Cape Verde in the last 16 at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Monday (17:00 GMT).

Algeria join fellow former champions Ghana in being eliminated after results earlier on Tuesday meant the Black Stars, with just two points to their name, cannot qualify as one of the top four third-placed sides.

The Lions of Chinguetti had to withstand late pressure and survive more than 11 minutes of stoppage time as Algeria sought a leveller that would have sent them through at Mauritania’s expense.

But the underdogs were good value for a victory that sent them into the knock-out stages alongside second-placed Burkina Faso and Angola, who sealed top spot in the group by beating the Burkinabe 2-0.

Mohamed Konate’s opening goal for Burkina Faso was cancelled out by a first Bounedjah equaliser, but a Bertrand Traore penalty put the Stallions back in front to the delight of their many supporters in the crowd of over 33,000 in Bouake, Ivory Coast’s second city.

At that point Burkina Faso were heading through, but Bounedjah equalised a second time at the death to take his overall tally of goals to three and join Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea as the tournament’s joint-top scorer.

Burkina Faso, the 2013 Cup of Nations runners-up who reached the semi-finals at the last edition in Cameroon two years ago, have four points from two games in Group D and remain on course to qualify for the knockout phase before facing Angola next.

Algeria, who were held 1-1 by Angola in their opening game, have two points and a win against Mauritania on Tuesday will suffice for them to advance.

They needed Bounedjah’s late goal, however, to stave off the spectre of a repeat of two years ago, when Djamel Belmadi’s team went to Cameroon as reigning African champions but were knocked out in the group stage with just one point and one goal scored.

Nevertheless, Riyad Mahrez and his teammates clearly struggled in the sapping mid-afternoon heat and will welcome having an evening kick-off in their final group outing.

Burkina Faso, whose French coach Hubert Velud has previously worked at several Algerian clubs, went ahead three minutes into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Russian-based striker Konate, playing off the shoulder of the last defender, threw himself at a terrific ball into the box from deep on the left flank and headed home. The goal was given after a VAR check confirmed he was onside.

Algeria drew level six minutes after the restart as Bounedjah turned the ball in from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Yet Burkina Faso were awarded a penalty midway through the second half after a VAR review showed that Rayan Ait-Nouri had kicked the shin of Issa Kabore in the box when trying to make a clearance.

On as a substitute, Aston Villa forward Traore converted the penalty, just as he had done to give Burkina Faso a 1-0 win over Mauritania in their first match.

Algeria responded by withdrawing wingers Mahrez and Youcef Belaili, before being rescued by Bounedjah’s 95th-minute header.

The country’s state news agency said goalkeeper Zakaria Bouziani, 27, and assistant coach Khalid Muftah had died in the accident.

The club were travelling north to Tizi Ouzou to face JS Kabylie in a league game on Friday when the bus carrying the squad overturned near the city of Tiaret in north-west Algeria, according to local media.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in a statement that he received the news of the tragedy with “great pain and sorrow”, offering his condolences to the families of the victims.

The club said on social media that other injured members of the team were in a stable condition.

“Following the tragic accident which left the club and family of MC El Bayadh in mourning, the Algerian Football Federation has decided to suspend all football events planned this weekend,” a statement on the Faf website said.

Faf has also delayed the draw for the next two rounds of the Algerian Cup, which was scheduled to be held on 26 December.

El Bayadh are sixth in Algeria’s Ligue 1 table with 15 points from 10 games, 12 adrift of runaway leaders MC Alger.

Bouziani had made two league appearances this season.

Palestine are scheduled to start their 2026 World Cup campaign in the Asian section next month.

Their first qualifier, away to Lebanon on 16 November, will be played in the United Arab Emirates.

A ‘home’ match against Australia five days later looks set to be played in north Africa.

Following the attack on Israel by the militant group Hamas on 7 October, which left more than 1,400 people dead, the Gaza Strip has been the subject of retaliatory air strikes, which have resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, with the Israelis looking set to launch an imminent ground offensive.

“The president of the Algerian Football Federation, Mr Walid Sadi, announces that our country will host the official Palestine-Australia match, scheduled for November,” the Algerian federation wrote on its website. 

The statement added that the decision to host “all official and unofficial matches as part of the Palestinian football team’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers” was taken “in accordance with Algeria’s leading authorities”.

The Algerian federation added that it will pay all costs, such as transport and accommodation, related to Palestine’s stay.

The early rounds of 2026 World Cup qualifying in Asia also double up as qualifiers for the continent’s main football competition, the Asian Cup.

The Palestinian Football Association, whose national stadium is based in the West Bank, has sought external help as the regional conflict intensifies, stating that the Asian Football Confederation has asked it to stage the Australia match in a neutral venue.

Algeria’s agreement to host Palestine internationals will require approval from football’s world governing body, Fifa.

Last week, Palestine’s preparations for next month’s qualifiers were hit after the team withdrew from the Merdeka Cup tournament in Malaysia at two days’ notice owing to the escalating conflict with Israel.

Israel’s 2024 European Championship qualifiers against Switzerland and Kosovo were also postponed by European governing body Uefa because of the fighting.

The 32-year-old, who had two years left on his contract, has become the latest big-name recruit by the SPL in a deal worth up to £30m.

City paid £60m for Algeria winger Mahrez in 2018, and he scored 15 goals in 47 games in the Blues’ Treble-winning campaign last season.

“To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” said Mahrez.

“I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football. I achieved all that and so much more.

“I’ve made a lifetime of wonderful memories. Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”

Mahrez helped City win 10 major honours during five seasons with the club but was an unused substitute for both the FA Cup and Champions League finals.

City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, said: “Riyad has been a major factor in our amazing successes over the past five years and his contribution will not be forgotten.

“He is a wonderful footballer to watch and leaves us with so many great memories.

“There are few wingers that possess his levels of skill and technique in world football, and he will be missed, but everyone will wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his career.”

The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves have already followed Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia this summer, while Steven Gerrard has been named Al-Ettifaq manager and Michael Emenalo has been appointed the SPL’s director of football.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson became the latest high-profile player to move to Saudi Arabia when his transfer to Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq was confirmed on Thursday.

The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also taken over four of the SPL’s leading clubs, including Al-Ahli, as the league aims to become one of the top five in the world.

Mahrez was the only senior player to miss City’s pre-season tour of Asia.

The futures of England defender Kyle Walker, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva and Spain defender Aymeric Laporte have all been the subject of speculation this summer, but all three have travelled.

Reports in Germany have suggested Bayern Munich have agreed a deal for Walker, but it is thought they are wide of the mark.

Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo is also part of the City squad after Bayern chose not to take up the option of turning last season’s six-month loan into a permanent deal.

It is understood goalkeeper Zach Steffen is absent with a knee injury, although City are open to the idea of the USA international moving on this summer.

Ibrahim Tanko and his charges defeated Algeria by a lone goal at the Baba Yara Stadium on Tuesday afternoon in Kumasi.

Sporting Lisbon attacker, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored in the 12th minute. The win means Ghana finished the two-legged tie on a 2-1 aggregate.

The Black Meteors today started the game on the front foot while piling pressure on the opponent.

The singing and cheering from the noisy Ghanaian fans at the stadium made things difficult for the Algerians.

After continuously asking questions, Ghana in the 12^th minute scored through a very impressive team play.

Winger Ernest Nuamah did some great work on the left flanks before lifting a lobbed cross into the far post.

With the goal gaping, talented youngster Abdul Fatawu Issahaku scored with a powerful header that beat the Algerian goalkeeper and the rushing defenders.

After taking the lead, Ghana had the chance to score again on numerous occasions before the halftime break but failed to take the chances.

Despite several other chances for both sides in the second half, neither managed to equalise as the encounter ended in a 1-0 win for Ghana.

The Black Meteors will be hoping to make an impact at the tournament in Morocco.

The first leg of the match will be held at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba on March 24, with the reverse fixture four days after at the Baba Yara Stadium.

A win in the double-legged tie will secure Ghana’s place in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 24 June to 8 July 2023.

With their sights set on the next Olympic Games in Paris, the team is determined to put in a strong performance against Algeria and secure their place in the U23 Championship.

The 26-man squad is made up of a mix of experienced and new players, with Coach Tanko confident that their balance will serve the team well.

The players have been putting in hard work and training ahead of the matches

See the full squad below:

The East Africans were scheduled to play Algeria in the second round of the U-23 AFCON qualifiers after the Democratic Republic of Congo were disqualified by CAF for fielding an unqualified player in the 2nd and 3rd round of the qualifiers against Ethiopia and Algeria respectively.

The decision means Algeria is considered winner and automatically qualified to the final round to play against Ghana.

Consequently, the 1st leg will be played in Annaba on Friday, March 24 while the 2nd takes place on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at the Baba Yara Sports stadium in Kumasi.

Reports on Sunday suggested a 50% boost being discussed.

The development comes soon after President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Algiers.

Gas makes up a fifth of France’s energy needs, with Algeria covering just over 8% of that.

Algeria is Europe’s biggest gas supplier after Russia and Norway.

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At a joint news conference with his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Mr Macron announced that a joint Franco-Algerian commission of historians would be set up to study archives on French colonial rule in Algeria.

This would include the bitter eight-year war that led to Algerian independence 60 years ago.

Relations between the two countries have been fraught for decades.

During his three-day trip, Mr Macron is also keen to secure access to Algeria’s huge stocks of untapped oil and gas, as Europe faces shortages because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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The 63-year-old was found guilty by an Algerian court of continuing to bank cheques from a public advertising agency for a year after two newspapers which he owned had closed down.

Despite charges of forgery and fraud being dropped Madjer and a co-defendant, named as Brahim M, were jailed and ordered to pay 500,000 dinars ($3,435) to the national publishing and advertising agency (ANEP).

Madjer, who scored to help Porto beat Bayern Munich in the 1987 European Cup final, has denied any wrongdoing and says he will appeal against the ruling.

“All I can tell you is that I had nothing to do with this case. Neither near nor far. I am innocent,” he told the AFP news agency.

As well as the famous back-heeled goal against Bayern Munich, Madjer also scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 victory against West Germany at the 1982 World Cup.

Madjer, who now spends much of his time living in Qatar, later went on to coach Algeria’s national football team three times, but was sacked from his most resent spell in June 2018 after eight months in the job following a string of defeats.

The commodities include sugar, oil, pasta, semolina and wheat derivatives.

A source is quoted by the agency as saying that the president called it economic sabotage for one to sell commodities that the country does not produce locally.

The president’s decision also bans importation of frozen meat products, agency said.

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Algeria imports most of its foodstuff. There have been protests in the past over increase in food prices in the country.

Needing a win to stay alive, Algeria trailed by two goals at the break after Franke Kessie capped off a fine move and Ibrahim Sangare headed home.

Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe put the Ivorians 3-0 up before Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez hit a penalty against the post.

Algeria, for whom Sofiane Bendebka scored a late consolation, were bottom of Group E after a torrid display.

Djamel Belmadi’s men are the third holders to exit at the first hurdle in the past five Nations Cup finals.

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This heavyweight battle at the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations 2021 could be key in deciding the outcome of Group E, with both the Elephants and the Fennec Foxes having ambitions of topping the table to earn a theoretically ‘weaker’ opponent in the Round of 16.

“Ivory Coast are one of the tournament favourites and they have a lot of players playing in huge leagues,” said Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi. “They won the competition in 2015 and have the experience. The game will be difficult.”

Ivory Coast boss Patrice Beaumelle has similar sentiments: “Algeria are the reigning champions, we know the quality they have… they have proven it by winning the AFCON last time and the Arab Cup last month. But we also know our own quality and this will be a match of a very high level.”

• Key players

Franck Kessie – The Milan player has emerged as one of the best central midfielders in Europe in the past couple of years and will hope to stamp his authority in the ‘engine room’ against Algeria.

Riyad Mahrez – The Manchester City winger will look to use his sublime left foot to its full and devastating effect in this crunch Group E clash against the Ivory Coast.

• Head-to-head stats

In head-to-head stats, Ivory Coast and Algeria have met in 24 matches across all competitions since 1965. The Fennec Foxes have claimed nine wins compared to eight for the Elephants, while seven games have been drawn.

The teams’ most recent meeting was in the quarterfinals of the 2019 AFCON, played in Suez in Egypt: the clash ended 1-1 after extra time, before Algeria won the shootout 4-3.

• Battles to watch

Patrice Beaumelle v Djamel Belmadi – While Beaumelle is still looking to convince in charge of the Elephants, Belmadi is beloved in Algeria for the 2019 AFCON win and will look to further enhance his reputation in this tournament.

Wilfred Zaha v Youcef Atal – Zaha is likely to be deployed out on the left flank, which will bring him face-to-face with right-back Atal, who will need to be on top of his game to keep the Crystal Palace attacker tied down.

Eric Bailly v Islam Slimani – The Manchester United centre-back has seen little playing time at club level, but he’ll need to be on top of his game to quell the threat offered by the physically-imposing Slimani.

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Match broadcast details

• All times CAT

Thursday 20 January

• 18:00: Ivory Coast v Algeria – LIVE on SuperSport Grandstand, SuperSport AFCON, SuperSport Maximo 360 and SuperSport GOtv Select 2

Esteban Obiang’s 70th-minute goal gave Equatorial Guinea the victory and brought Algeria’s 35-game unbeaten record crashing to an end.

The 2019 Cup of Nations winners could only draw 0-0 with Sierra Leone in their opening game in Cameroon and are now left needing to beat Ivory Coast in their final Group E outing on Thursday if they are to advance to the last 16.

The Ivorians, who were last continental champions in 2015, were held 2-2 by Sierra Leone earlier and the group remains wide open but with Algeria bottom on just one point.

Meanwhile, an Equatorial Guinea side ranked 114th in the world and 28th in Africa are now well placed to reach the knockout stages for the third time.

The two previous occasions came when they were hosting the tournament, in 2012 and in 2015, but this time many of the fans in the crowd of almost 12 000 in Douala were supporting the ‘National Thunder’.

Equatoguinean capital Malabo, on the island of Bioko, is a short hop over the Gulf of Guinea from Cameroon’s economic capital.

Few of their fans could have foreseen this result against an Algerian side captained by Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez and almost entirely the same as that which won the 2019 Afcon final against Senegal.

Yet Algeria struggled to break down the opposition defence, while both Baghdad Bounedjah in the first half and Youcef Belaili late on had goals disallowed for offside.

The outstanding Iban Edu Salvador came close from long range for Equatorial Guinea in the first half and also created a chance that Luis Nlavo could not finish shortly after the break.

They again came close on a breakaway midway through the second half but it was from the corner that followed that their goal arrived – the delivery from the left was flicked on to the back post where the Spanish-born Obiang tucked it in before running to celebrate with the crowd.

Milovan Rajevac fielded Thomas Partey, Richmond Boakye Yiadom, Joseph Paintsil and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku in the absence of Jordan Ayew and Andre Ayew.

Early in the first half, Napoli forward, Adam Ounas scored on the 8th minute to put Algeria ahead of the game after turning Gideon Mensah in the box and somehow squeezing an effort past goalkeeper Manaf Nurudeen at his near post.

The African champions had several other chances to extend their lead but some poor finishing meant they went into the break, up by just one goal.

The Black Stars however put up a better performance in the second half with the likes of Joseph Paintsil and Partey exhibiting some impressive display.

Milovan Rajevac and his charges felt that they should have been awarded a penalty when Paintsil was upended in the Algerians’ box but the referee waved the pleas away.

Substitute Benjamin Tetteh then had a decent chance to level but his effort from an angle was saved by the leg of goalkeeper, Raïs M’Bolhi.

All hopes of a comeback were, however, dashed when Jonathan Mensah scored an own goal in the 74th minute.

Ex-Leicester striker Islam Slimani got in on the act after stepping off the bench firing past Lawrence Ati-Zigi who had replaced Manaf Nurudeen in goal.

Ghana meanwhile will play Morocco in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon] opener on Monday.

The team will fly to Yaounde on January 7. The Black Stars are on a quest to end the country’s 40 years trophy drought.

The two African giants will test their strength against each other in preparation for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in Cameroon on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

The Education City stadium is located in Al Rayyan, Qatar and was built as a venue in time for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The stadium is located within several university campuses at the Qatar Foundation’s Education City.

Following the FIFA World Cup, the stadium will retain 25,000 seats for use by university athletic teams.

This multi-purpose sports facility hosted its first official match on September 3, 2020, in the 2020-21 Qatar Stars League season.

Algeria who won the FIFA Arab Cup two weeks ago are housed in Group E with Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Cote D’Ivoire.

The Black Stars Ghana will open their campaign against Morocco on Monday, January 10, 2022 before taking on Gabon and Comoros in Group C.

Algeria, ahead of the tournament in Cameroon, will camp in Doha, Qatar during which Les Verts are to play two games against The Gambia and Ghana.

The North African side, according to reports, will play the Scorpions on New Year’s Day.

The game against the Black Stars, if confirmed by the Ghana FA, is to come off on January 5.

The last time the two sides faced off was the 1-0 win for the Black Stars courtesy of a late Asamoah Gyan goal in the group stages of the 2015 Afcon in Gabon.

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Ghana is in Group C of the 2021 Afcon alongside top-seeded Morocco, Gabon and Comoros.

The Black Stars will begin their quest for a first senior continental title since last winning it in 1982 against the Atlas Lions of Morocco at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé on Monday, January 10, 2022.

Ghana will stay in Yaoundé to take on the Panthers of Gabon on Friday, January 14 before making a trip to Garoua for their final game in Group C against debutants Comoros at Roumdé Adjia Stadium on Tuesday, January 18.

The four-time African champions will be seeking to end the 39 years trophy drought next year.

Nourine, 30, who was in the men’s -73kg class, said at the time that his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible to compete.

The IJF said the pair “with malicious intent” used the Games as a “platform for protest and promotion of political and religious propaganda.”

The governing body’s disciplinary commission said it was a “clear and serious breach” of its statutes, code of ethics and the Olympic charter.

Nourine was due to face Sudan’s Mohamed Abdalrasool in his first bout and a win would have paired him with Israel’s Tohar Butbul.

At the time he was provisionally suspended and the Algerian Olympic Committee withdrew their accreditation and sent them home.

The ban covers all IJF events and activities through to 23 July 2031, though they can appeal against the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The incident was not the first time that Nourine had withdrawn from competition to avoid facing an Israeli opponent. He pulled out of the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo for the same reason.

The new cases meant Algeria has now recorded 17 confirmed coronavirus cases. 

Algeria’s health ministry said the nine new cases were registered in a family living in the Northern Blida district, some 30km (20 miles) from the capital, Algiers.

This family last month hosted relations from France who were tested positive for coronavirus after flying back to France. 

Before Wednesday, Algeria had only recorded three cases but that quickly jumped to eight before the family of nine tested for the virus.

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So far, Africa has recorded a total of 26 cases of the deadly virus, after a slow rate of outbreak. Egypt (2), Algeria (17) and Nigeria (1) Tunisia (1) Morocco (1) and Senegal (4).

More than 90,000 cases and over 3,000 deaths have been recorded in some 60 countries worldwide. Africa has relatively reported of low outbreak rate.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is hopeful countries in sub-Saharan Africa currently without testing equipment would soon have one to conduct more tests.

Victims of coronavirus often suffer from respiratory illness. The virus is a global public health emergency, according to the WHO.

The WHO has advised that people stay at home if they begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and a slight runny nose, until they recover.