The match was decided by an early goal from Inter Milan midfielder Ghoutia Karchouni, who found the net in the 10th minute following a well-timed assist from Inès Boutaleb, who cut the ball back smartly from the right flank. Karchouni made no mistake with her composed finish, handing Algeria a crucial early lead.
Algeria dominated the early phases of the game and looked the more threatening side throughout, registering 14 total shots with 7 on target. Despite their attacking dominance, they were unable to add to the scoreline, as Botswana’s defence battled hard to stay in the contest.
Botswana, to their credit, showed resilience and grit, creating 10 goal attempts—three of which were on target—but were kept at bay by an alert Chaima Bouheni in goal for Algeria. Her crucial saves ensured the North Africans maintained their slender lead to the final whistle.
As the game wore on, Botswana increased their intensity in search of an equaliser, but Algeria’s organised backline stood firm, frustrating their southern African counterparts and securing all three points in a tightly contested affair.
What’s Next:
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Algeria will look to build on this strong start when they face Tunisia in their next Group B fixture.
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Botswana will hope to bounce back quickly when they meet tournament favourites, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, in what promises to be a challenging encounter on Thursday.
With this result, Algeria take an early lead in Group B and set the tone for what they hope will be a deep run in the tournament.