Algeria’s early AFCON exit: Goalkeeper Anthony Mandréa reflects and looks forward

Algeria’s national football team, initially touted as one of the favorites at the onset of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), faced a significant setback by bowing out in the group stage. Anthony Mandréa, the goalkeeper for the Greens, has provided insights into the disappointing campaign, emphasizing the need to swiftly shift focus to the future.

Placed in a challenging group alongside Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Angola, Algeria managed only two draws and a defeat against Mauritania, leading to their premature exit from the tournament.

Despite the disappointment, Mandréa views the AFCON experience as valuable, stressing the importance of moving on promptly.

“It’s been hectic. Despite everything, I had a great experience at the AFCON. It was a very nice moment; I learned a lot of things by going there and playing in this competition. Unfortunately, we returned earlier than expected.

In these moments, you have to try to switch quickly and come back to reality. The reality is my club today. It’s this step forward that we have to take to get something,” Mandréa shared in an interview with Ouest-France.

Analyzing the team’s performance during the competition, Mandréa highlighted the need for greater decisiveness in both penalty areas. He pointed out the team’s vulnerability, stating, “We were very rarely put in danger.

We should have been more decisive in both penalty areas. Each time, we conceded a goal on the opponent’s only opportunity. At the back, we know that if we take the goal first, the opponents will form a low block, and that we will suffer the whole match trying to score a goal.”

Expressing his disappointment with the abrupt dismissal of coach Djamel Belmadi following the elimination, Mandréa commented, “The dismissal of Belmadi hurts. Djamel and the goalkeeper coach opened the doors to the selection for me.

Brotherly bonds were created between us. For me, it will be the first time, if I am selected next month, that I will know a new coach, a new way of working in selection. There is some vagueness ahead,” acknowledged the 27-year-old shot-stopper.