Algeria Turns Focus to AFCON 2015 After Successful Qualifiers
Having topped their qualifying group with five wins from six matches, Algeria’s national team is now setting its sights on the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. Despite an impressive run through the qualifiers, the Fennecs are determined not to rest on their laurels.
Midfielder Mehdi Lacen, who plays for Spanish club Getafe, emphasized the importance of moving on and preparing seriously for the tournament:
“The results of these qualifications are more than positive with five wins in six matches. But we must learn from our mistakes. I think that the conditions at the next CAN will be practically the same as in Mali. We must question ourselves, forget the past and prepare well for the CAN.”
Algeria finished top of their group with 15 points, but their only defeat—a 2-0 loss to Mali—served as a valuable wake-up call. Reflecting on the game, Lacen was candid in his assessment:
“We didn’t read the match well, we failed in the duels, we were walked all over. We had few chances. We accept this defeat. It was a difficult match against a good Malian team who deserves credit.”
The vice-captain also dismissed the idea that the loss stemmed from squad rotation:
“Everyone is here to play. I don’t think this defeat is due to the many changes made. The conditions were unfavorable to us, which I think is one of the reasons for this defeat.”
Algeria will discover their group-stage opponents for AFCON 2015 during the official draw scheduled for December 3 in Malabo. Expectations are high for the North African giants, who will look to go far in Equatorial Guinea after a strong qualification campaign.
