Hosts Algeria and Senegal reached the semifinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) only for the second time in their history.

Algeria and Senegal were 1-0 winners apiece against Ivory Coast and Mauritania in the two quarterfinals of the 2022 CHAN played on Friday.

USM Algier’s Aymen Mahious scored the only goal for Algeria from a penalty in the 96th minute as they eliminated Ivory Coast.

It was Mahious’ third goal at the ongoing tournament and he is the top scorer whereas his side is yet to concede a goal at the competition.

They have won all their four games played so far by a single goal apiece.

Algeria against Ivory Coast had a dramatic first half where the former’s goalkeeper Alex Guendouz was sent off in the 20th minute before the latter’s Kouassi Attohoula Yao also saw red in the 34th minute.

Meanwhile, Lamine Camara’s 34th-minute penalty was enough for Senegal to edge Mauritania.

It is the second time the West African side is reaching the semifinals given that their maiden appearance in the last four was during the inaugural tourney in Ivory Coast in 2009.

Whereas the North African outfit’s first time in the semifinals was during the second edition in 2011 played in Sudan.

At both their maiden appearances, Algeria and Senegal finished fourth and they will hope to reach the final for the first time.

In this year’s semifinals, Algeria will take on the winner between Ghana and Niger while Senegal is waiting for the victor between Madagascar and Mozambique.

Saturday Quarterfinals

Ghana vs Niger
Madagascar vs Mozambique