where?  Algiers
Reuters: 'attendance: 20000' (must have been more?)

match report by: The Shot That Passed Right Through The Net
 

situation before the match: Tunisa already qualified. Algeria, Uganda, and Liberia fighting for the second spot of this group. Liberia played at the same time at home against Tunisia.  If Uganda wins: Uganda through.  If Algeria and Uganda draw: Uganda through if Liberia does not win, otherwise Liberia qualified.  If Algeria wins: Algeria is qualified unless Liberia does not win by a two goals higher margin (for example Algeria 1:0, Liberia 3:0).  First half:  Algeria began as usual in express tempo with some inspired play. The Uganda defence played unsure and Algeria had several opportunity. During the progress of the match Algeria acted even more nervous in front of the guests goal.   But 2 minutes from halftime a fine through ball from midline had a lucky bounce and #9 Marakeshi Hamid had a skilful finish alone against two defenders and scored from 11m. This goal gave Algeria the confidence they needed.  Second half:  Direct after the first Uganda opportunity #9 Marakeshi Hamid scored again, this time after a long cross with a header. In the further progress of the match both teams had opportunities with the Uganda attack becoming more and more threatening.   In the same time Liberia scored twice at Monrovia against Tunisia but it was to late to make the Algerians nervous who rescued their 2-goal-advantage over both Uganda and Liberia with a little luck in the final minutes.  Decisive against Uganda was the absence of physical presence and competence in defendce. A good example were the goals. In the first case two players could not keep the Algerian striker from scoring, in the second case it was clearly the physical superiority of the Algerian striker that enabled him the precise header although the ball had been long in air.  Thus playing carefully had been clearly the wrong strategy for Uganda. Especially because the team proved it was able to force opportunities when attacking themselves and creating some nice passing play.  Anyway Algeria looked stronger and quite inspired, but again with some difficulties converting their superior passages into goals.

THIS DOCUMENT IS PART OF: AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS 2000

A COMPONENT OF: THE SHOT THAT PASSED RIGHT THROUGH THE NET

© THE SHOT THAT PASSED RIGHT THROUGH THE NET