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CAF
19-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghana vs Algeria: Old Guard go head-to-head with First Timers
The Black Queens of Ghana return to the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies WAFCON for the first time since 2016 when they take on Algeria in the third quarterfinal on Saturday at 5pm (local time) at the Berkane Stadium in the Oriental Province of Morocco. Three times, they have reached the final of the continental showpiece (1998, 2002 and 2006), but since then, they have been blowing hot and cold. Eliminated in the group stages in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2018 at home, Ghana want to return to the glory days. They are desperate. Undefeated, solid Algeria Three clean sheets in a tough Group B including a 1-0 win over Botswana and two goalless draws with neighbours Tunisia and nine-time record winners Nigeria have seen them progress to the knockout stages for the first time ever after failing in their last five appearances. At the heart of this feat is goalkeeper Chloe N'Gazi who was named the Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stages ahead of the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria. Her resilience in goal will be tested against a Ghanaian side that netted four goals in their last Group C tie against Tanzania to win 4-1. 'We are going to try to go to the semifinals. This is a big responsibility for us. We won't let anything bother us. We will do our best. We know we can do big things. We just have to show that in the game against Ghana,' N'Gazi says with a big and confident smile on her face. Les Vertes have not conceded a goal in 276 minutes at the WAFCON. The last time this happened was when they conceded an 83rd minute goal at the 2018 edition in Ghana that led to a 2-3 loss to Mali. Since then, Farid Benstiti's side are a team that is writing a new chapter in Algerian football. They previously had lost to Nigeria twice, but their last Group B tie saw them avoid defeat for the first time against the Super Falcons. Benstiti aware of the challenge ahead admits that, 'This is the first time that we are in the quarterfinals. We know that Ghana is a very strong team but just like in the group stage, we will try and do our best to win this quarterfinal because everything is possible in football. I think that they [Ghana] are close to Nigeria. They are an athletic team but at this stage, we want really to prove that it is because we played well that we are here in the quarterfinals. We respect Ghana but we will play and try to win this game.' A concerning statistic, however, for Benstiti is that Algeria have the lowest shot conversion rate amongst the quarterfinalists at this WAFCON edition with just 4.17%. They had no shot on target against Nigeria and have only found the back of the net once from 13 shots on target in the three Group B games played so far at this WAFCON in Morocco. 'It is true that we have only scored once in this competition, but our target is still the same. We want to win the game [against Ghana]. Football in the quarterfinals is 50/50. It is not a problem for us that we only won one game in the group stages. We want to grow again. This means that we want to be more efficient than Ghana. We shall continue to play offensively,' Benstiti emphasizes looking ahead at Saturday's game. Ghana's Comeback Script A 0-2 defeat in their opener against the reigning African champions South Africa followed by a 1-1 draw with Mali saw the Black Queens almost lose hope in what had seemed a tilted group towards their strengths, at least on paper, before the tournament. It took great resolve though for them to find their feet against Tanzania, impose themselves and emerge victorious convincingly to take home the timely 4-1 win. It was also more about the performance than the result that stood out for head coach Kim Lars Björkegren. However, against Algeria, Ghana come up against a side that is yet to concede a goal in the competition with the towering and determined N'Gazi between the sticks. 'Algeria are a very good and organized team especially in the defense and also have a good goalkeeper. We have talked about it that we must make it a little more difficult for her. We can't shoot from 45 meters and wish for luck. We need to create better chances but also take the chances when they are there. We are not just looking for the fancy goals. Again, it is going to be a difficult game, but I am sure that we are going to play a good game against them,' the Swedish tactician speaks with an air of confidence around him. Ghana have won two of their matchups against Algeria at the WAFCON including a 2-1 win in 2010 and a 1-0 victory at home in 2018 with Les Vertes edging the Black Queens at the 2014 edition in Namibia. And as far as records go, past the group stages, the Black Queens have played 12 games – winning six of them and losing six including emerging victorious in three semifinals, three third place playoffs while losing three semifinals and three finals. 'We know that there is pressure. It is the quarterfinals. It is one game, but we have to turn the pressure into motivation. Who doesn't want to play in the biggest tournament in Africa, the quarterfinals and go to the semifinals? We just enjoy every moment,' admits Josephine Afua Kyerewaa Bonsu who is playing at her first ever WAFCON. 'I just want to get a chance to help the team. This is what it is all about. In the game against Tanzania, we showed a different mentality than in the other games. Of course, there was pressure, but it was really good for us, and we played a good game, and we deserved it.' Ghana, who have never featured in the quarterfinals at the WAFCON, will be looking for their seventh appearance in the semifinals of the continental competition. The Black Queens will welcome back forward Doris Boaduwaa who served a suspension against Tanzania and will rely on the experience of veterans like Portia Boakye, Jennifer Cudjoe, Chantelle Louise Boye-Hlorkah and Alice Kusi who has netted in two straight games so far. Stats, do they lie? While Algeria have only scored one goal in three games at this TotalEnergies WAFCON 2024, Ghana have conceded a goal in each of their three games at this edition. The Black Queens have conceded at least a goal in each of their last five WAFCON games and the last clean sheet was in their 1-0 win over Algeria in their opening group game in 2018. With a shot conversion rate of 12.5% thanks to their 10 shots on target against Tanzania and netting four past the Twiga Stars, Ghana seem to have found their mojo. In their opening two games, they had managed a combined eight shots on target. With the total of 18 shots on target, Ghana are only second to the reigning African champions South Africa who have just one more – 19 shots on target. Against a team that has kept three clean sheets, can Ghana overcome a stubborn Algeria side or will Algeria dig even deeper to overcome a team that has been firing from all cylinders?
CAF
13-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Farid Benstiti Reflects on a Younger Asisat Oshoala
Ahead of Algeria's matchup with Nigeria this Sunday (8pm local time) in Casablanca, Les Vertes coach Farid Benstiti spoke fondly of his reunion with Nigerian star player Asisat Oshoala, whom he took to China. It was also an opportunity for him to reminscence on his approach to supporting African players he coached abroad. "She was part of my family" Benstiti did not hesitate for a second when asked to talk about Oshoala. On the eve of a decisive match against Nigeria, the Algerian coach offered a personal, emotional moment. "I had Asisat for two years in China. I brought her to Dalian Quanjian because I believed in her, in her potential, but also because she had this desire to improve.' What followed goes beyond the purely sporting context. "She lived near me. We would go to eat together. She was part of my family, truly. I did everything I could to make her feel comfortable, and at the same time, I didn't give her any favours in training. I asked a lot from her, about her strengths as well as her weaknesses." The result is well known: a move to FC Barcelona and a career as a world football star. But it is the human dimension that remains. "When she told me she was leaving, I encouraged her to go for it. We've always stayed in touch. I'm very proud of her." A welcoming method, a conviction This reunion with Oshoala also revives a broader memory for Benstiti: that of his years spent accompanying African players to foreign clubs from Russia, France, China and the United States of America. "When an African player arrives in a new country, she changes the world. It's often a cultural, emotional, and emotional rupture." I've never left these players to their own devices." Benstiti talks about the welcome, the family environment, and the responsibility. "You can't imagine what it's like to leave everything behind. I've always made sure they feel integrated, that they have a sense of direction, that they have a voice. I have deep respect for them. I help them adapt, to feel good. Then the work can begin." He pursues this attentive eye today with Algeria. He does not advocate a method, but rather a high standard coupled with sincere kindness. "I focus on my players. I want them to progress, but above all, for them to feel valued. It's not just a speech, it's a conviction." Nigeria, a major test and symbol This Sunday, his Algeria have a big stake in the game against one of the continent's giants and the most decorated team on the continent having won the WAFCON a record-breaking nine times in 12 editions. "Playing against Nigeria is an opportunity. If you want to go far, you have to compete with the best." This match makes us grow. It's also a great opportunity to show that Les Vertes aren't here to make up the numbers. "I don't make calculations. We play to win, not to wait for a miracle. That's how we build a real team." Between collective ambition and personal emotion, Benstiti will approach this match with a desire to surprise. And perhaps, in a shared glance across the pitch, he'll see a spark of China in Oshoala's eyes.
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Farid Benstiti: 'What I do for Algeria is also a tribute to my father'
• For Farid Benstiti, coaching Algeria is about honouring his roots • The tactician is focused on building a united and competitive squad, blending local talent with dual nationals • He emphasises mental discipline and team cohesion to guide the long-term development of the team Farid Benstiti is preparing to lead Algeria into his very first TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria is not just another national team to him, it is part of his identity. A land of memory, heritage, and family ties. Becoming head coach of the national team was not just a professional decision; it was a natural return to his roots. 'I've always said that one day I needed to give something back to Algeria, as a tribute to my father, my parents, and my family,' he reflects. Behind the impressive resume lies a man deeply connected to his heritage shaped by what's been passed down silently, generation after generation. 'This flag on my chest represents my entire family. Algeria is written into my DNA, and into that of my children.' By taking this role, Benstiti didn't just accept a coaching job. He committed himself fully to a project built on discipline, trust, and respect. He's determined to help this team grow, grounded in values like humility, hard work, and openness. In this interview with the Algeria coach opens up about the deeper reasons behind his commitment, his vision for the team, and the powerful bond he shares with Algeria a bond woven from memory, identity, and the challenges that lie ahead on the continental stage. Coach, you've had a remarkable career. What still drives you after all these years on the sidelines? Farid Benstiti: Quite simply, it's my passion for football. Whether it's the men's or women's game, football has always been a part of me. Football made me who I am today. Someone once asked me, 'Why are you still doing this? Don't you want to try something new?' And I replied, 'How can I do something else when I've become almost an expert in this field since my playing days?' Even if I had other options, this is what I know best. You've coached at clubs like Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint-Germain, and Reign FC in the United States. Why choose Algeria now? When I left the U.S. I wanted to complete my UEFA Pro Licence. I'd worked non-stop for years and never had time to go back and update my qualifications. When I returned to France, Bordeaux reached out. But because I'd spent so long abroad, I had to have my diplomas reassessed, and it didn't work out. Patrice Lair ended up taking that role. I had great ideas for Bordeaux, it matched my mentality. I've always been selective about the projects I take on. I spent over a year finishing my UEFA Pro. I received a few offers, but didn't want to go too far from France or my family. Then Algeria called. There was a real development plan for the national team a clear desire to professionalise things. What convinced me was also personal. I'd always told myself that one day, I'd repay Algeria for what my parents gave. My father worked hard for this country. This is my way of honouring that. That Algerian flag on your chest — what does it represent to you? It means everything. Algeria is the story of my whole family: great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, cousins… It's historical, cultural, traditional, spiritual. It's in my blood and my children's too. As dual nationals, we know what our parents gave up crossing the Mediterranean. And we know that our heritage starts with the soil of Algeria. You've grown up between two cultures. Has that influenced the way you manage multicultural squads? I've never imposed anything. I've never arrived anywhere like a conqueror. I always come in with humility, aiming to understand first. Whether I was in China, Russia or the U.S., I always made the effort to understand the people, the culture, the way of life. I never wanted to show up as a bossy outsider. There's a level of respect you owe the people who welcome you, who pay you, who trust you with their teams. The key question is: how do you create unity between local players, dual nationals, and staff? You do it by never treating one group as more important than another. Is your mission in Algeria about preparing for the upcoming WAFCON — or building something long-term? We've long underestimated our potential. The hardest part was convincing top-level players like Ghoutia Karchouni, Marine Dafeur, Chloé N'Gazi, Inès Belloumou, and Lina wasn't enough to say, 'Come, it's an honour.' Of course, it is an honour. But for this generation, that's not enough. They need a real project. I couldn't just sell them a dream. I had to show them what kind of team we want to build, the objectives, the vision. And I believe they don't regret joining us. We're not heading to WAFCON as favourites. I told a journalist that we're 'outsiders with a plus.' You are in Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia, and Botswana. Your thoughts? Nigeria are the benchmark. I had the pleasure of working with Asisat Oshoala in China she's a friend now. Nigeria aren't just Africa's best; they're among the top 10 in the world. Botswana impressed me at the 2022 WAFCON. They're solid, well organised. If we're not disciplined, we'll struggle. African coaches are improving every year. Tunisia are similar - disciplined, technical. In this group, I believe the most mentally resilient team will make the quarterfinals. Have you implemented any specific mental preparation with your team? People often ask about mental coaches. For me, the best mental coach is the head coach with his staff. Mental preparation doesn't happen in the moment. I've been mentally preparing these players for two and a half years through tactical discipline, technical work, and a constant drive to improve. Every session, every conversation, every minute is a chance to build mental strength so that our players feel focused, fulfilled, and ready. Is the pressure different in international football compared to club management? When there's a big objective a WAFCON, a final, a Champions League the pressure is always the same. But in club football, you've got time. Over a full season, you can correct early mistakes. With national teams, it's all or nothing. Qualification is often harder than the tournament itself. One mistake, and it's over. Most importantly, I want us to savour this moment. We might not remember the exact scorelines years from now, but we'll never forget what we shared. Finally, what message would you give to a young African girl dreaming of becoming a footballer? I would say: dreams are valid, and you must hold on tight to them. Be the best you can be because sometimes, that's the only way to stand out. And I'd say it's essential that we support all young African girls who have stars in their eyes. We must create the conditions for them to express their passion. Above all, let's take care of our daughters. Let's support them at every step of their journey. Football may just be one part of their life but it's a precious part.
