Algeria secured their place in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals after brushing aside Gambia with a convincing 3-0 win on Friday at the 29 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba.
After a goalless first leg in Bakau, the home side stepped up with a strong showing to claim a 3-0 aggregate win. Abderrahmane Meziane opened the scoring just after halftime in the 46th minute, with Adel Boulbina adding two more, one in the 72nd and another deep into stoppage time.
The buildup to the match had been tense. Gambia only arrived in Annaba on Friday morning, leading to calls for a postponement from their federation. CAF, however, stuck to the schedule, deciding to play the game as planned despite the drama.
Algeria now joins Group C at the finals, alongside Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and the winner between South Africa and Malawi.
This year’s CHAN finals will be held across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.
