Respect Before Rivalry: Sudan and Algeria set for CHAN quarter-final showdown
When Sudan and Algeria step onto the pitch at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar for their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarter-final match on Saturday, it will be a clash laced with mutual respect, but driven by a burning desire to reach the last four.
Both sides know that admiration counts for little when the whistle blows — the prize is a semi-final ticket, and neither camp is ready to give it away.
Bougherra Praises Appiah but Warns of Algerian Ambition
Algeria’s head coach, Madjid Bougherra, was quick to recognize the remarkable progress Sudan has made under Kwesi Appiah in the past year.
“I am happy for Sudan and what they have been able to achieve across all competitions. Football in Sudan improved this year, but I know they have strengths and weaknesses. We will analyze them and get ready,” Bougherra said.
The former Algerian international rejected the idea of labelling Sudan as underdogs.
“They’re no small teams. We respect all the teams,” he stressed.
Bougherra, who guided Algeria to the 2022 CHAN final, believes fresh surroundings in Zanzibar could sharpen his team’s focus.
“Remaining in one city can affect the team negatively. It’s essential to travel and refresh the brain. Two weeks in Kampala in one hotel could play on the psychology of the players. When there’s a move like this, it pushes us to concentrate on recuperation and think differently.”
A Warm Welcome in Zanzibar
The Algerian coach also praised the hospitality they’ve enjoyed since arrival.
“The people here are friendly. It’s our first time being here. I don’t know which side they’ll be supporting, but we’re excited to be here,” he said.
But make no mistake, Algeria has come with intent. With their group stage target met, the Desert Foxes now want to push for the ultimate prize.
“The first stage, which is qualification to the quarterfinal, is accomplished. This is another competition: elimination or qualification to the next stage. The players are motivated and ready,” Bougherra underlined.
Skipper Mehdi Boujemaa echoed his coach’s focus: “We are motivated. We want to go as far as possible, starting with tomorrow’s victory.”
Appiah: Sudan Wants More Than Just a Quarter-Final
For Sudan, this CHAN has already been historic. But coach Kwesi Appiah insists the journey cannot stop here.
“The goal is not to arrive at this level and return home. Every single coach’s ambition would be to do better and make the people happy. It’s going to be a good game, showcasing African football,” he said.
Appiah knows Algeria’s pedigree but refuses to adopt a defensive mindset.
“Algeria is a big country when it comes to football. We knew automatically when we got to the quarterfinal that they’re no easy games. Every coach tactically assesses the team they’re against and then decides. I’ve never believed in sitting back,” he affirmed.
Having been based in Zanzibar since the start of the tournament, Sudan will feel at home.
“The Zanzibar people have been very supportive. We have a Sudanese fanbase here,” Appiah noted.
The Players’ Voices
Sudan’s forward Fares Abdullah captured the mood in the camp: “We know the entire country awaits this result. It will be a good game. Algeria is a good team, but we are going to put in our best to win.”
Clash of Ambitions
The respect between both sides is undeniable, but so is their ambition. Algeria wants redemption after falling short in the 2022 final, while Sudan dreams of extending their remarkable run under Appiah.
In Zanzibar, mutual admiration will give way to 90 minutes — or more — of uncompromising football. Only one will march into the last four, but both are determined to leave a mark on CHAN 2024.