Yasser Larouci reflects on AFCON journey amidst competition with Aït-Nouri

Yasser Larouci, the left-back stalwart from Algeria, candidly shared his thoughts on his role within the team, providing insight into the upcoming continental football spectacle.

Currently immersed in a training camp in Lomé, Togo, alongside the Algerian national team, Larouci, who plies his trade with Sheffield United, opened up about his initial impressions of the West African weather conditions.

“The climate is very hot with a lot of humidity. We are adapting to the conditions that we will have in Ivory Coast,” he remarked during a media interaction.

Hailing from El Oued, Larouci expressed his enthusiasm for his debut appearance in the African Cup of Nations.

“This is my first African Cup of Nations, and I am delighted to be able to participate. We will give our best for the people and represent the country,” he asserted.

Despite acknowledging that he hasn’t enjoyed as much playing time as he would have liked, Larouci underscored the significance of the tournament, stating, “Participating in an AFCON with your country is priceless.

We will do everything to make them proud, give our all and fight until the end.”

With Rayan Aït-Nouri, the Wolves defender, having recuperated from an ankle injury, Larouci is poised to assume the role of a backup in the left lane.

Reflecting on his position within the team, Larouci displayed humility, stating, “I don’t see him as competition. We are teammates and we pursue the same goal, the same objective.”

As Algeria prepares for their final friendly match against Burundi in Lomé, Larouci’s sentiments echo the collective determination of the squad.

The 2019 African champions are set to embark on their Group D campaign in Ivory Coast, commencing with a clash against Angola on January 15, followed by encounters with Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

The journey towards AFCON glory is underway, and Larouci’s commitment underscores the unwavering spirit within the Algerian camp.