Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic says he is confident his side can make a strong start to their Group E campaign when they face Sudan on Wednesday, December 24.
The Desert Foxes will take on Sudan at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:00 GMT.
Speaking ahead of the opener, the Bosnian and Herzegovinian coach expressed belief in his squad and their collective ambition to progress beyond the group stage.
“I am confident. I sincerely believe that we have what it takes to qualify for the second round. My role is to pass that conviction on to the players and show them that we can achieve good things together,” he said as reported by CAF.
The former Switzerland coach also offered an assessment of Algeria’s group rivals, describing Sudan as a high-energy and well-organised side that can be dangerous in possession.
He added that Burkina Faso are among the favourites in the group, boasting several key players, while Equatorial Guinea present a familiar challenge.
“Sudan are a very energetic team, well organised, and dangerous in the way they use the ball. Burkina Faso are probably one of the favourites in the group, with several key players.
“As for Equatorial Guinea, we have already faced them and encountered difficulties. That obliges us to prepare very rigorously, while remaining faithful to our identity,” he added.
