Rising Algerian talent Adil Boulbina was the star of the show on Friday night as Algeria stormed into the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals with a dominant 3-0 win over Gambia in Annaba.
The Desert Warriors sealed their qualification with a 3-0 aggregate score after a goalless draw in Bakau last weekend. The result sees Algeria join Group C alongside Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and the winner of the South Africa vs. Malawi qualifier.
Algeria struggled to break down Gambia in the first half, but the breakthrough came just one minute after the restart when Abderrahmane Meziane fired a low shot past Gambian goalkeeper Lamin Saidy to give the hosts a deserved lead.
It was Boulbina who stole the spotlight, however. The 22-year-old midfielder showcased his class with two expertly taken goals in the 71st and 91st minutes, both set up by incisive passing moves. Boulbina, who leads the Algerian domestic league with 15 goals this season, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about young players in North African football.
Gambia’s chances were hampered by off-field issues. The team only arrived in Annaba — 420 kilometers east of Algiers — on the morning of the match, after a travel delay left them stranded in Mauritania. Despite holding Algeria at bay in the first half, the fatigue showed as the match progressed.
CHAN 2025, which features only players active in their home countries, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2 to 30. Originally scheduled for February, the tournament was postponed due to delays in preparations.
This marks Algeria’s third appearance in the biennial competition. They finished fourth in 2011 and were runners-up in the 2023 edition, which they hosted. With talents like Boulbina in form, expectations are high for a deep run in this year’s tournament.
Meanwhile, South Africa will look to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Malawi in Pretoria on Sunday. Bafana Bafana have boosted their squad with six new players as they aim to secure the final Group C spot.
Despite being limited to home-based players, CHAN matches are recognized by FIFA as full internationals and count toward the global rankings — adding extra weight to every result.
