Algeria will host Gambia in the second leg of their CHAN 2024 qualifying tie on May 9 at the 19 Mai 1956 Stadium in Annaba, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. local time (6:00 p.m. GMT).
The fixture, part of the final qualifying round for the African Nations Championship, comes just six days after the first leg, which will be played on May 3 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gambia. That match is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. GMT.
This two-legged contest carries high stakes, as the aggregate winner will secure a place at the 2025 CHAN finals.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and is scheduled to take place from August 2 to 30 next year.
The Algerian side, seeking to make a strong return to the continental stage, will aim to take advantage of home support in the decisive second leg in Annaba.
The 19 Mai 1956 Stadium, known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fans, will provide the backdrop as Algeria looks to book its ticket to the finals.
Meanwhile, Gambia will attempt to make the most of their home advantage in Bakau during the opening leg.
Playing in familiar conditions, they will look to gain an edge before travelling to North Africa for what is expected to be a challenging away fixture.
This CHAN qualifying campaign is crucial for both nations. The tournament, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations, features only players who are active in their respective domestic leagues.
As such, it serves as a platform for local talents to showcase their abilities on a continental stage and potentially secure opportunities abroad.
For Algeria, reaching the final tournament would mark a significant milestone. The nation has invested heavily in its football infrastructure and domestic development in recent years, and qualifying for CHAN 2025 would serve as validation of those efforts.
Gambia, on the other hand, will be eager to prove its growing stature in African football.
The Scorpions have made strides in recent years and will view CHAN qualification as another opportunity to build on that momentum.
With both legs now confirmed, preparations are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
Coaching staff for both teams will focus on finalising their tactical approaches, while domestic-based players will be vying for selection to represent their nations in this high-profile qualifying round.
The aggregate winner of this tie will join other successful teams from across the continent in East Africa for the CHAN finals next year.
With a place in the prestigious tournament at stake, Algeria and Gambia are set for a tense and closely-fought battle — one that will determine who earns the right to compete on one of African football’s biggest stages.
