The Gambia was held to a frustrating goalless draw by Algeria in the first leg of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers at the Independence Stadium on Saturday.

Despite dominating possession for much of the game, the Scorpions struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, leaving the home fans disappointed. 

Algeria’s disciplined defence kept the Gambians at bay and ensured the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg.

The decisive second leg is set for May 19 in Algeria, where the Gambia will be hoping to make history by securing its first-ever qualification for the CHAN finals, a tournament reserved exclusively for players competing in their country’s domestic leagues.

Both sides will need to raise their game in the return fixture as they chase a coveted spot in Africa’s premier home-based players’ competition.

By Ebrima KB Sonko