Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic struck a balanced tone of honesty and ambition as he looked ahead to a crucial AFCON 2025 group clash with Burkina Faso in Rabat.
Petkovic, ahead of their game against Burkina Faso, acknowledged that Algeria’s opening 3-0 win over Sudan was positive but far from perfect, stressing that the first match of a tournament “is always difficult” and revealed both problems and good moments. He said the staff had worked in training to correct those issues and aimed to deliver a better, more convincing performance in the second game.
Looking at Burkina Faso, he described them as a strong, well-organised side and “one of the favourites” to qualify from the group.
Petkovic warned that the match will be tougher, with the opponent full of confidence after a late comeback win over Equatorial Guinea, but expressed full belief in Algeria’s ability to win and seal a place in the last 16 with style.
Defender Aissa Mandi echoed his coach’s focus on improvement, saying experienced players must step up after two disappointing AFCON campaigns. He praised captain Riyad Mahrez’s influence on and off the pitch and insisted the team are looking forward, not back, determined to go as far as possible in Morocco.
