Gambia will welcome Algeria to the Independence Stadium in Bakau this Saturday for the first leg of their decisive CHAN 2025 qualifying play-off, with kick-off set for 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. in Algeria, 5 p.m. in France).
The encounter marks the opening fixture of the final qualifying round for both nations as they seek a place in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
With Algeria entering this tie as the strong favourites, the stakes could not be higher. Local broadcaster ENTV is expected to provide live television coverage of the match.
Algeria, who finished as runners-up in the previous edition of the CHAN tournament, were exempt from the earlier round of qualifiers due to their impressive recent performance.
The North African side now face the task of overcoming a resilient Gambian squad across two legs to earn their ticket to the finals.
A place in Group C of the CHAN 2025 finals—alongside Uganda, Niger, and Guinea—awaits the winner of this tie, intensifying the significance of the upcoming matches for both teams.
Algeria head coach Madjid Bougherra has urged his squad not to underestimate their opponents, especially considering Gambia’s impressive form in the previous round.
The West African nation pulled off a surprise against Gabon, advancing via a dramatic penalty shootout after both legs ended goalless. T
he local Scorpions triumphed 5-4 on penalties in what was widely regarded as one of the round’s biggest upsets.
Bougherra will be without defender Imadeddine Azzi of USM Alger, who has been ruled out through injury. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed that Houcine Benayada, a regular with CR Belouizdad, has been called up as his replacement.
Despite the setback, Algeria boasts a deep squad and is expected to field a strong XI capable of withstanding the challenge posed by the hosts.
For Gambia, the match presents a rare and valuable opportunity to reach the CHAN finals. The team will rely on their home advantage and the momentum gained from their elimination of Gabon.
Coach Alagie Sarr will be hoping for a disciplined defensive display coupled with clinical execution on the counterattack to keep their qualification hopes alive ahead of the return leg.
Algeria, meanwhile, must balance confidence with caution. Their performance in the last CHAN has elevated expectations, and an early exit would be seen as a major disappointment.
The two-legged format leaves little room for error, and the visiting side will be eager to secure a positive result in Bakau before returning home for the second leg.
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s showdown, both teams know that only a composed and consistent performance over 180 minutes will secure their place at CHAN 2025. For Gambia, it’s a chance to defy expectations once again. For Algeria, it’s a test of their ability to meet them.
📸| استعدادات المنتخب الوطني للاعبين المحليين متواصلة للمواجهة المزدوجة أمام غامبيا#LesVerts | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/IhrLjqIGYs
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) April 30, 2025
