2024 CHAN Qualifying: Algeria defeat Gambia at home to confirm qualification

Algeria will take part at the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Les Verts 'A' team defeated The Gambia by a 3-0 score on Friday in the second leg of their qualifying duel. The young star of Algerian domestic football, Adil Boulbina, scored twice after Abderrahmane Meziane opened the scoring early in the second half.

It was an admirable performance from the Gambia selection, who held highly favored Algeria scoreless through three halves including the entire first leg in Gambia, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

However, Gambia lost their focus for a brief time after coming out for the second half and a star-studded Algeria team made them pay. CR Belouizdad attacker Abderrahmane Meziane collected a pass in the Gambian penalty area and had far too much space to face the goal and fire a low shot past Gambia goalkeeper Lamin Saidy.

Gambia created some danger to maintain tension at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba but talented striker Adil Boulbina doubled Algeria's lead just after the 70th minute when he was played in behind the Gambian defense on the left wing and lifted his finish over the onrushing Saidy (video at the top).

Boulbina added one more for Algeria in stoppage time to confirm the North African nation's place at the CHAN finals, set to take place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August. The final spot will be determined on Sunday when South Africa host Malawi, who lead 1-0 after winning the first leg in Malawi.