Algeria secured a convincing 4-0 victory against Burundi on Tuesday, January 9, in Lomé, continuing their preparation for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023). Djamel Belmadi, the accomplished coach of the Fennecs, provided his post-match analysis, acknowledging both the positives and areas that demand refinement.
Facing a determined Burundi side employing a challenging 5-man defense, Belmadi commended the opposition’s quality, emphasizing the difficulties such defensive strategies pose to all teams.
Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone, the Algerian coach shared insights into the game, stating, “We created a lot of chances. We should have had a much larger score.
They also had one or two situations, particularly on set pieces. This is something you will have to pay close attention to. In any case, there are adjustments to be made.”
Having spent over a week in Lomé fine-tuning their strategies, the Algerian national team appears to be on the right track for AFCON 2023.
While defensive solidity has been reclaimed, Belmadi recognizes the need for improvement in their finishing.
“Overall we mastered our subject. Generally, we always have control of the matches with a fairly high rate of possession each time.
The most important thing is what to do with the ball when you have it. Today what I liked was the creativity, the situations. Afterward, you have to be very careful with the last gestures.
We could have scored at least three or four more goals,” noted Belmadi, highlighting the team’s creative prowess but underscoring the importance of clinical execution.
As the Fennecs gear up for the imminent tournament, Belmadi’s thoughtful insights and commitment to adjustments aim to propel Algeria to success in AFCON 2023.
The team’s potential, coupled with the coach’s strategic acumen, has fans eagerly anticipating their performance in the continental competition.