2024-01-05 07:16:17
Along with Senegal and Morocco, Algeria is undoubtedly one of the favorites for this African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Fennecs, who can count on big stars (Riyad Mahrez, Sofiane Feghouli, Islam Slimani) even if they are in decline, and young talents (Fares Chaïbi, Rayan Aït-Nouri), will not be able to be satisfied with an accessit .
The anecdote
12 players from the squad for this CAN were already in the game four years ago, during the Fennecs’ second and last title at continental level. We found in particular the goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi, the defender Youcef Atal, the midfielders Riyad Mahrez, Hicham Boudaoui, Ismaël Bennacer and the attackers Baghdad Bounedjah and Islam Slimani.
Shape of Algeria
The Algerians are undefeated since November 19, 2022 and a friendly match against Sweden, an incredible series of 13 matches without defeat. During this year, the Fennecs notably claimed the scalp of Senegal (0-1), also snatching a draw against Ghana and Tunisia. During the qualifiers, Djamel Belmadi’s men flew through their group, conceding only one draw against Tanzania in the last match, once qualification was already confirmed. The one for the World Cup also started in the best possible way with two victories against Mozambique and Somalia. A form to be confirmed during this African Cup of Nations, one of the last major objectives of the Mahrez-Feghouli-Slimani generation.
Algeria’s match schedule
The list of 23
Goalkeepers: Anthony Mandrea (Caen), Rais M’Bolhi, Oussama Benbout, Moustapha Zeghba
Defenders: Youcef Atal (Nice), Kevin Van den Kerkhof (Metz), Aissa Mandi, Mohamed Tougai, Ahmed Touba, Ramy Bensebaini, Zinedine Belaid, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Yasser Larouci
Terrain Milieux: Ismaël Bennacer, Houssem Aouar, Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Sofiane Feghouli, Ramiz Zerrouki, Fares Chaïbi
Attaquants: Riyad Mahrez, Islam Soleimani, Mohamed Amoura, Baghdad Bounedjad, Youcef Belaili, Adam Ounas (Lille)
The player to watch: Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez won the last Champions League with Manchester City. Photo Icon sport ANP / Icon Sport
Even if he left Europe and Manchester City to give in to the sirens of Saudi Arabia, the Algerian winger has lost none of his qualities and his impact. In 17 matches with Al-Ahli, the former Leicester City player scored 7 goals and provided as many assists, standards he did not reach in the Premier League. With Algeria, Riyad Mahrez (32) is also one of the pillars. He also led his team to the roof of Africa in 2019. A feat that he would dream of repeating.
#matches #team #player #follow #Algeria