Following an abysmal outing in the last edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Desert Warriors of Algeria will be all out for redemption in its 19th appearance.
By Efosa Taiwo
Following an abysmal outing in the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, the Desert Warriors of Algeria will be all out for redemption in its 19th appearance.
Placed in Group D alongside Burkina Faso, Angola and Mauritius, the odds are in favour of the North African to finish the group as winners, and by so doing, would have atoned for their early exit in AFCON 2021.
Among the 24 nations heading to Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria rank among the few with an elite squad with its array of quality players in almost all departments in the squad.
Coach
Djamel Belmadi will be in charge of his country’s national team for the third time in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals, having previously led the squad to victory on Egyptian territory in 2019.
The 47-year-old has been in charge for five years and will be hoping to use his experience in continental football to his advantage in leading Algeria to AFCON victory.
Star Player
Now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Ahli, Riyadh Mahrez for years has held down a prominent role for the Desert Warriors.
Leading his nation to their last AFCON glory in 2019, Mahrez not only comes with a terrific footballing skills that could open up the tightest of defences, but also experience that is as rich as the best on the continent.
Rising Star
Mohamed Amin Amoura has emerged as one of the top African stars shining in Europe this season.
Chalking up already 16 goals in the current campaign for his side Union Saint-Gillioise, the 23-year-old has proven his lethality in front of goal.
Amoura’s ability to shoot with both legs and erase opponents in one-on-one scenarios is one of his strongest qualities which teams at the AFCON must be wary of.
Fixtures
Angola vs Algeria – January 15, 2024
Algeria vs Burkina Faso – January 20, 2024
Mauritania vs Algeria – January 24, 2024
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