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CAF
09-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
MATCH FACTS: Tunisia and Algeria Clash in Historic North African Derby
Tunisia and Algeria meet for the first time at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in a Group B encounter at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday (Kick-off: 17:00 local time / 16:00 GMT). This is the first-ever WAFCON meeting between two North African nations that share a border – Tunisia and Algeria are separated by a 1,034-kilometre boundary stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sahara Desert. It is only the second WAFCON fixture between North African nations in the tournament's history. The first was Morocco's 4-1 win over Egypt in the group stage of the 1998 edition. Tunisia – Key Facts · Tunisia began their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Nigeria – their heaviest defeat in WAFCON history. · It was only the second time they had conceded three goals in a match, after a 3-2 loss to Mali in 2008. · Tunisia are now on a four-game losing streak at the finals and have failed to score in all four of those matches, conceding five goals. · They've gone 388 minutes without scoring at WAFCON, with their only win remaining the 4-1 triumph over Togo in 2022. · Tunisia have never won their second group game at the finals. They d rew 0-0 with Nigeria in 2008 and lost 1-0 to Zambia in 2022. · A loss would mark the first time Tunisia have started a WAFCON campaign with back-to-back defeats. · Against Nigeria, Tunisia completed just 97 passes — the first time they recorded fewer than 100 passes in a WAFCON match. · They failed to register a single shot on target and had just 28% possession – both the lowest recorded across their last two tournament appearances. · Goalkeeper Soulayma Jebrani made six saves from nine shots faced – the most she has made in a single WAFCON game (her fifth appearance). Note: Tunisia's stats exclude the 2022 repechage match against Senegal. Algeria – Key Facts · Opened their tournament with a 1-0 win over Botswana – their second-ever opening match win, the first being against Ghana in 2014. · This is Algeria's sixth WAFCON appearance, making them the most experienced North African side at the finals. · A win would mark the first time Algeria have recorded back-to-back victories at the tournament. · If they avoid defeat, it will be the first time they've gone unbeaten in consecutive WAFCON matches. · Algeria's record in second group matches: P5 W1 L4. · Their only win came in 2004, a 3-0 victory over Mali – still their biggest at the finals. · Their win over Botswana ended a five-game losing run and was their first win since beating Ghana 1-0 in 2014. · Algeria's last 10 WAFCON matches have all produced winners (W2 L8); their last draw was a 3-3 result against Equatorial Guinea in 2006. · Across 16 tournament matches, Algeria have drawn just once (W3 L12). · Against Botswana, Algeria completed 336 of 432 passes (77.8% accuracy). · They recorded seven shots on target – four in the first half – and did not face any shots on target in the first half (three faced in the second). · Ghoutia Karchouni scored Algeria's winning goal with her only shot on target. · Ines Belloumou led all players with 89 touches in the match. · Melissa Bethi was involved in a game-high 14 duels, winning eight – more than any other player on the pitch.
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ghoutia Karchouni, a green heart and controlled game
Against Botswana, Servette FC's new midfielder gave Algeria their first victory 1-0 at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024 in Morocco. A tight shot, a restrained celebration, a clear symbol. brings an insight on Karchouni – the maestro. She stepped forward without unnecessary gestures. Control, raised gaze, sharp shot. The ball flew, skimmed the pitch, and ended up in the back of the Botswana net. On the pitch at the Père Jégo stadium in Casablanca, Ghoutia Karchouni had just scored the only goal of the match. This was an important goal, but above all, a goal that says it all. Everything about her return to her roots, everything about her desire to write a new chapter in green and white, at 29 years old. From the Rhône to Serie A, the Meaning of Progress Born on May 29, 1995 in Lyon, Karchouni grew up in Pusignan, east of Lyon, where she kicked her first ball. Scouts quickly saw her talent. Olympique Lyonnais opened their doors to her, before she joined Paris Saint-Germain, where she made her professional debut in 2013, at just 18 years old. In the French capital, the competition was fierce. She learned, adapted, and accepted the challenges that came with the territory. Then she attempted a breakaway to the NWSL, with the Boston Breakers. The trip was brief, the experience was intense. She returned to France and straight to Bordeaux. For four seasons, she became the discreet but indispensable metronome of the Girondins. Clean play, intelligent coverage and reliable game reading. In 2021, she went to Italy. Inter Milan wanted her, and she won. In Serie A Women, she refined her skills. In the end, she played 47 matches and scored 12 goals before settling in May at Servette FC in Switzerland. Green as a given The story could have remained French. But when it came to the time to relaunch her international adventure, Karchouni listened to her instincts. Algeria called her, and she answered. The green jersey became a natural extension of her roots. And from her first start, she scored. Like a sign. Her goal, against Botswana, was worth three points and more: proof that this player, beyond her resume, can change a match. In the 10th minute, in a tight match, she found the net. A shot from outside the box, firm and surgical. And then the simple celebration. Clenching her fist, looking towards the bench. Like a promise: to lead, quietly, but with faith. "Representing Algeria is very emotional," she says. 'I'm proud of my roots and I want to help this team develop, grow, and aim higher." A Voice for Others Her experience, her serenity, and her rich career spanning several continents makes her a role model for the current and new generations. And many are watching her. They see in her what Algerian women's football wants to become: organized, rigorous and demanding. From OL to Inter, via PSG, Boston, and Bordeaux, she is experienced it all. Titles at the youth level (U17 World Cup in 2012, U19 European Cup in 2013), years of building, and doubts too. And she is remembered it all. Today, at 29, Karchouni is the benchmark. One of those players who do not make waves, but without whom nothing holds. And in this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024, Algeria know that they can count on her.
CAF
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Karchouni's early strike secures Algeria's opening win over Botswana (1)
Algeria kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 with a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over Botswana in their Group B opener, thanks to an early strike from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni. The match, played at the Père Jégo on Stadium night, saw Algeria take control from the outset. Early goals continue to be the order of the tournament so far, as the North Africans broke the deadlock in just the 10th minute when Inès Boutaleb delivered a precise cut-back from the right flank, which Karchouni calmly slotted home to hand the North Africans the lead. Despite the early goal, Botswana showed resilience and created opportunities of their own, registering 10 shots with three on target. However, Algeria's defence held firm, and goalkeeper Chaima Bouheni made crucial saves to preserve the lead. Algeria, who looked firmly in control of much of the proceedings, enjoyed the better attacking statistics overall, finishing with 14 total shots and seven on target. They kept the Botswana defence under constant pressure but were unable to extend their advantage. As the match entered its final minutes, Botswana pushed for an equaliser, but Algeria's organised backline and timely interventions ensured they claimed all three points. The win sees Algeria make an encouraging start to Group B, while Botswana will be left ruing missed chances but can take positives from a competitive performance against one of the group's favourites. Botswana will need to put the disappointment behind them when they face the Super Falcons on Thursday, while Algeria will look to continue with their form when they take on Tunisia.
