Former Senegal manager Amara Traoré has singled out Algeria as a “formidable outsider” ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
In an interview with AfrikFoot, Traoré assessed the likely contenders for AFCON glory when the competition gets underway on 13th January.
As reigning champions, Traoré named Senegal as favourites to claim back-to-back titles.
“Senegal is naturally the favourite as title holder,” remarked Traoré.
However, he identified several other threats, notably African giants Morocco, Nigeria and Cameroon.
The tournament hosts Ivory Coast and Egypt were also highlighted as dark horses.
Yet Traoré reserved special mention for Algeria, who defeated Senegal convincingly in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Dakar.
According to Traoré, facing African opposition in that setting aided their preparations for AFCON 2023 conditions.
“Algeria made a strong impression on me in Dakar against Senegal,” noted the former midfielder. “
It was an excellent choice on their part to come and play in Senegal to familiarize themselves with the environment of Ivory Coast.”
“They transformed this pressure to impose themselves. Algeria is a formidable outsider. We cannot underestimate them.”
Algeria will participate in Group D alongside Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea. Seeking redemption after a disastrous AFCON 2021 title defence, the North Africans seem primed to challenge again under manager Djamel Belmadi.
With an array of elite teams harbouring realistic ambitions, Traoré anticipates a highly competitive tournament.
But Algeria’s statement performance in Dakar clearly illustrated their credentials, prompting a warning from the 2002 AFCON runner-up.
