Algeria, considered one of the favorites in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, stumbled to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Angola in their opening match on Monday night. While Sofiane Feghouli’s aspiration to make the Algerian people proud remained a focal point, the Fennecs fell short of expectations, sparking critical analyses from both the coach and the press.
Baghdad Bounedjah led the Greens on the scoreboard for a substantial period, displaying moments of brilliance in the early stages.
However, the team seemed to lose cohesion and physical stamina as the match progressed, eventually conceding an equalizer from a penalty.
Notably, players like Ismaël Bennacer, returning from injury, and Youcef Atal, facing off-field issues, grappled with form.
Expressing his disappointment, Coach Djamel Belmadi addressed the media in a post-match press conference. “It’s obviously a very disappointing result. We had the match in hand, but we were caught in a small moment of weakness.
We had prepared well for our entry into the competition,” he lamented, visibly troubled by the outcome. Despite maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities, the Fennecs failed to secure a victory, leaving the coach frustrated.
Belmadi emphasized the need for a more clinical approach in the final third, acknowledging missed chances and errant decision-making.
He reflected on the second goal, rightfully disallowed, and pointed out the team’s vulnerability in key moments.
The draw was perceived as painful and cruel, with Belmadi expressing difficulty in accepting the result.
The Algerian press mirrored the disappointment, using headlines like “Algeria displays its weaknesses against Angola.” Publications criticized the team’s performance in the second half, drawing parallels to previous tournaments, such as the “Japoma syndrome” from two years ago.
DZ Foot, a prominent sports outlet, was critical of key players, particularly Riyad Mahrez, whose lack of physical effort came under scrutiny despite possessing a formidable left foot.
Mahrez, who obtained a score of 3.5, faced severe criticism for his overall performance. DZ Foot remarked that supporters had reluctantly accepted Mahrez’s diminishing impact on the game, emphasizing the pressing need for him to synchronize with teammates.
Nabil Bentaleb and Ismaël Bennacer also faced scrutiny for their subpar contributions.
Despite the disappointing start, Coach Belmadi is tasked with finding swift solutions as Algeria gears up to face Burkina Faso on Saturday.
With little room for error in the tournament, the Fennecs are under pressure to rebound and maintain their chances of progressing.
The draw against Angola has prompted introspection and a call for improved performances in the crucial matches ahead.
