The Algerian national football team is set to face Burkina Faso in their second encounter of the Africa Cup of Nations, with both sides bracing themselves for a clash that promises intensity and competition. However, the Algerian team faces an additional hurdle in the form of extreme weather conditions as they step onto the Bouaké field in Ivory Coast at 2 p.m. local time.
Led by their captain, Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian players will grapple with oppressive heat, as temperatures are expected to soar to 37 degrees Celsius around 3 p.m., coupled with high humidity.
These challenging climatic conditions pose a potential threat to player performance, impacting endurance and the speed of execution.
In the face of this weather challenge, the hope for the Algerian team rests on their ability to adapt, honed during their pre-Africa Cup of Nations preparation in Togo, where similar conditions prevailed.
Coach Djamel Belmadi, cognizant of the climatic obstacle, strategically implemented specific training regimens to acclimate his team to these demanding conditions.
Belmadi’s mobilization of the team, with a focus on adapting to high temperatures, appears to be a calculated tactic.
Algerian players have already demonstrated their capacity to cope with such conditions in previous matches, having undergone rigorous training in similar environments.
This prior experience positions them well to face Burkina Faso, showcasing adaptability as a key asset in overcoming the adverse weather conditions.
Having settled for a disappointing draw against Angola in their initial group meeting, the Fennecs are compelled to set their sights on victory.
Conversely, Burkina Faso secured a crucial win in the final moments of their match against Mauritania, courtesy of a penalty converted by Bertrand Traoré.
As both teams prepare to face off amidst challenging weather conditions, the stakes are elevated, and the pursuit of a crucial victory intensifies for Algeria in their quest for qualification.
📸 العودة للتدريبات استعداداً لمباراة بوركينافاسو
𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠 ! 💪🏼⚽️
#DesertWarriors | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/UllrN30jKQ— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) January 16, 2024