Posted by Host Nation Algeria kick started the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) with a 1-0 victory against Libya at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
Algeria immediately went on the front foot, with Houssem Mrezigue and Aymen Mahiuos, all having attempts from promising positions inside the opening twenty minutes.
While Algeria continued to apply pressure, Libya grew into the game but failed to threaten Alexis Guendouz’s goal as the game went into the interval scoreless.
At the start of the second half, Libya shot themselves in the leg when they gave away a cheap penalty, goalkeeper Muad Allafi brought down Aymen Mahiuos after a mistake by the defense.
The resulting penalty kick was calmly converted by Aymen Mahiuos who showed composure to send the goalkeeper the wrong way and the fully packed Nelson Mandela Stadium gay.
The remaining minutes of the game saw no goals but Libya didn’t go down fighting. Omar Alkhja was kept out by Alexis Guendouz and skipper Ali Ramadhan Salama saw his effort from inside the post hit the post.
The games will continue on Saturday, Ethiopia play Mozambique in the second Group A game. In Group B tomorrow, DR Congo will play Uganda and Ivory Coast play Senegal.