Voice of Nigeria previews the semi-finals of the 2023 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with hosts Algeria set to take on surprise package Niger while Senegal faces a challenge against Madagascar, as they all battle for the golden crown.
The seventh edition of the CHAN tournament has been filled with surprise results, thrills, fantastic goals and celebrations while showcasing a vast majority traditional attires and cultures by fans in the stadiums from across Africa. The tournament is organised for players that ply their trade in their domestic leagues on the continent.
Algeria Vs Niger
Hosts Algeria will square up against Niger at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran on Tuesday, January 31st 2023, for a place in the 2023 African Nations Championship final.
The Desert Foxes of Algeria booked its ticket to the semi-finals after a 1-0 victory against Côte d’Ivoire, courtesy of a 96th minute penalty by Aimen Mahious. The match produced two red cards for both teams and became Algeria’s fourth 1-0 result in this year’s tournament.
Algeria, who are yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will now face the tournament’s surprise package Niger. The Menas of Niger have had a great tournament in Oran so far, cruising to its first ever semi-final after beating Cameroon and Ghana. They are also yet to concede a goal in the competition so far.
Niger have been based at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran and recorded a goalless draw against Congo, won 1-0 against Cameroon and beat Ghana 2-0 against. They have consistently grown into the tournament.
Both sides will be seeking to progress as the match promises to deliver another day of goal-mouth action in the 2023 CHAN tournament.
Senegal Vs Madagascar
In the other semi-final, Senegal will battle debutants Madagascar on the same day at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers for a place in the final.
Five of Senegal’s goals in Algeria have been scored by five different players including Moussa Ndiaye, Ousmane Diouf, Pape Diallo and Lamine Camara. The other was an own goal from Baggio Siadi. Senegal beat Mauritana 1-0 to progress to the semi-finals.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal are now on course to win the treble as they are the reigning champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as well as holding the AFCON Beach Soccer title.
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To achieve that, they must stop the in-form Madagascar whose run of victories at the tournament has inspired the debutants to a historic semi-final place. The Barea of Madagascar beat Mozambique 3-1 to progress.
Madagascar have overcome all odds to earn the respect accorded to a title favourite and have in more ways than one become the ultimate title favourites.
They are fast in attack and have shown that with determination and hard work, impossible is nothing. Madagascar are fearless no matter the opponent that they are up against. They have scored the most goals in the tournament so far.
Madagascar have scored eight goals in three games, while conceding just twice to demonstrate how balanced they are as a team. They will be seeking victory for a chance to write its name in African football history.
Another thrilling encounter beckons between Senegal and Madagascar, as they battle to claim Africa’s golden crown. The finals is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 4th February, 2023.
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