AFCON 2015 – Algeria Aim High, but Stay Grounded Ahead of South Africa Clash
Algeria enters the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the top favorites. After their outstanding performance at the 2014 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16 and pushed eventual champions Germany to the brink, the Fennecs are now expected by many to contend for the continental crown in Equatorial Guinea.
Despite this pressure, the squad—under the guidance of coach Christian Gourcuff—remains cautious in its ambitions. The official target, as reiterated by the camp, is reaching the semi-finals, although the will to win it all is clearly present.
Carl Medjani: “We’re Ready to Get Started”
Speaking to Le Buteur, Algerian defender Carl Medjani shared the team’s mindset going into their opening Group C clash against South Africa on Monday.
“Each match has its own particularity, but it’s clear that we’re eager to get started. We know it’s important to start the competition well. We’ve been here for 15 days, we’ve prepared well and we can’t wait for Monday,” Medjani said.
He emphasized that while Algeria has reached a new level in terms of gameplay, success will come only through focus and consistency:
“We have the means to go all the way, but to say that we will do it is premature. Let’s first get out of the group stage, then we’ll see.”
No Illusions Despite the Hype
The Fennecs are grouped with South Africa, Ghana, and Senegal in what is considered the “Group of Death.” Medjani warns against overconfidence:
“Everyone is expecting us, but we can also fail. Remember, we were expected in 2013 and didn’t make it past the group stage.”
The 29-year-old added that the team is motivated to validate two months of intense preparation under coach Gourcuff, while acknowledging the unpredictability of AFCON:
“There’s always an element of surprise in this competition, so we’ll take things one step at a time.”
Breaking a 25-Year Opening Curse
Algeria hasn’t won its opening match in the Africa Cup of Nations since 1990. While Medjani downplays the superstition, he understands the psychological advantage of a strong start:
“We heard the same talk before the Belgium match at the World Cup, and even after that defeat, we still qualified. But it’s true that winning the first game puts you in a better place mentally for the rest of the group stage.”
Algeria’s opening match against Bafana Bafana will be a crucial test of their ambition and mental readiness.
