2016 CHAN Finals: Group C
Niger 2-2 Guinea
The floodlit African Nations Championship (CHAN) group C encounter between Niger and Guinea at Kigali regional stadium in Nyamirambo kept either side’s fans on close tenterhooks. The two West African countries shared the spoils in a four goal thriller on Friday night.
It was a false start for team Niger when their gangly forward, Idrissa Halidou Garba pulled off a hamstring inside the opening 60 seconds of the game. Striker Issa Adamou Moussa replaced Halidou shortly after.
Guinea’s tricky winger, Alseny Camara beat the entire Niger back-line for pace but his 7th minute cross flew cross of the goal.
A minute later, it was Guinea with yet another drive when 8’ Sylla Aboubacar missed a sitter with the goalie beaten.
On the 13th minute mark, Niger defender Boureima Abdoulaye Katkore Amad thwarted Mouctar’s cross from the left for an unsuccessful corner. On the quarter hour mark, Niger called for their second change of the game.
AS Sonidep F.C defender Kader Amadou pulled yet another hamstring and was replaced by AS Dounanes F.C player, Ismael Inoussa.
Guinea continues with the dominance with a 28th minute free-kick from Aleseny Camara narrowly missing target.
Against the run of play, Niger launched a quick counter that was calmly finished in the back of the net for the opener through first half substitute, Issa Moussa Adamou in the 37th minute.
The goal was however short lived as Guinea restored parity through Sylla Aboubacar’s low drive.
Towards the end of the opening half, Niger were once again forced into a third change due to injury.
This time round, it was the goalkeeper Alhassane Alzouma Moussa who limped out for Usgn football club shot stopper, Ouamrou Soumaila for Niger.
Burundian FIFA referee Thierry Nkurunziza waved play on when Sylla Aboubacar seemed to have been dragged to the ground in the area as the first half came to a tense climax.
Shortly after the restart, Moussa completed his double with yet another calm finish two minutes into the second half.
On the hour mark, Sylla had a great through ball to Mouctar, but the latter shot straight at Niger goalie Ouamarou to force a corner kick.
Five minutes later, Niger’s Zakari Adebayor earned a booking for playing the ball away with the intention of time wasting after the whistle had been signaled.
The Guinea technical bench, desperate for a positive result called for a change. Sylla Aboubacar Mouctar paved way for Aboubacar Kile Bangoura in the 65th minute.
Niger forward Adebayor had an attempt off target after cleverly twisting and turning of Guinea left back and skipper, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura. Alseny Camara came off for Haba Boniface in Guinea’s other change to pile more pressure on Niger.
The changes indeed paid dividends when Guinea got the equalizer through substitute Aboubacar Kile Bangoura. Niger earns a hard fought point as Guinea has now accumulated two points following the earlier draw with Tunisia.
Group C remains wide open as the group leaders, Nigeria have four points from two games. Meanwhile, Guinea and Tunisia have picked two points and Niger has one point. Click here for all the CHAN 2016 Group Tables.
Guinea will face Nigeria whilst Tunisia will play Niger in the last group games next week for the two slots to the last eight stage. Click here for all the previous results and upcoming fixtures.
Team Line Ups:
Niger XI:
Moussa Alhassane Alzouma (G.K), Kader Amadou, Musa Shehu, Youssouf Oumarou Alio, Idrissa Halidou Garba, Mossi Moussa Issa, Adebayor Zakari Victorien Adje, Souleymane Dela Sakou (C), Imarana Seyni, Boureima Abdoulaye Katkore Amad, Dankwae Kofi
Subs:
Ibrahim Paraiso Moussa, Inoussa Ismael, Adamou Moussa Issa, Abdou Abdoul Aziz, Ganiyu Elh Tidjani Hutmanu Elh Tijani, Ouamrou Soumaila Ayouba (G.K), Mahamadou Souley Salamoun, Issiakou Koudize, Harouna Ali Saidou, Moctar Yacouba, Oumarou Issaka, Sanoussi Tahirou
Head Coach: Gagui Victor Francois Zahoui (Cote D’Voire)
Guinea XI:
Abdoul Aziz Keita, Ibrahima Sory Bangoura (C), Ibrahima Sory Sankou, Aboubacar Mouctar Sylla, Aboubacar Sylla, Alseny Camara (13), Jean Mouste, Alseny Camara (15), Daouda Camara, Mohamed Youla, Aboubacar Leo Camara
Subs:
Abdoulaye Kante (G.K), Mohamed Thiam, Thierno Camara, Alseny Bangoura, Boniface Haba, Ibrahima Sory Soumah, Abdulaye Samake, Moussa Diawara, Aboubacar Kile Bangoura, Issiaga Camara, Ibrahima Conde, Nouhan Conde
Head Coach: Mohamed Kanfory Bangoura (Guinea)
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Thierry Nkurunziza (Burundi)
1st Assistant Referee: Theogene Ndagijmana (Rwanda)
2nd Assistant Referee: Sulayman Sosseh (Gambia)
Reserve Referee: Hudu Munyemana (Rwanda)
Commissioner: Jean Michel Mbono (Congo)
General Coordinator: Adnan El Guindy (Egypt)