Djamel Belmadi, the esteemed coach of the Algerian national team, provided a comprehensive update on the status of veteran goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi (37 years old, 96 caps) as the squad gears up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.
The surprise inclusion of M’Bolhi in Belmadi’s 26-man squad for AFCON 2023, alongside the noteworthy selection of USM Alger central defender Zineddine Belaïd, marks a strategic move by the Algerian coach.
M’Bolhi, a pivotal figure in the Fennecs’ journey to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals and the 2019 African Cup of Nations triumph, returned to the national team despite a mixed start with CR Belouizdad since joining the club in September.
Belmadi, in a press conference before the departure of the team for the pre-AFCON training camp in Togo, shed light on the goalkeeper position.
Anthony Mandréa, having firmly established himself as the primary choice since September, will lead the squad in the upcoming tournament.
The coach emphasized the importance of clarity in the goalkeeper hierarchy, stating, “For the goalkeeper position, things must be clarified from the start with a hierarchy that is ready, and players who are aware of this hierarchy.”
He further emphasized the need for healthy competition without undue pressure on the designated number one goalkeeper.
Belmadi’s affirmation of Mandréa as the primary goalkeeper, M’Bolhi in the second position, and Benbot in the third position offers a clear structure, ensuring transparency and reassurance for the players.
As Algeria prepares for the challenges of AFCON 2023, Belmadi’s strategic approach to the goalkeeper lineup aims to foster a competitive yet supportive environment within the team.
🚨DJAMEL BELMADI 🎙️:
« La hiérarchie des gardiens est connu de tous dans le groupe, et chacun connaît son rôle. » pic.twitter.com/p13KvGOuaR
— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) December 31, 2023
