As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, Tom Saintfiet, the astute coach of Gambia’s national football team, has provided valuable insights into how teams can overcome the formidable challenge posed by Algeria.
While Algeria experienced a somewhat lackluster 2022 in Cameroon, the North African powerhouse has demonstrated a resurgence in form this year, presenting both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Gambia finds itself placed in Pool C of AFCON 2023, sharing the stage with football powerhouses Senegal, Cameroon, and Guinea.
In the course of the competition, the Scorpions might find themselves in a showdown against Algeria.
Drawing from his experience, having faced Algeria during the AFCON 2019 qualifiers and having collaborated with their coach Djamel Belmadi in Qatar, Saintfiet is methodically dissecting strategies to outmaneuver the Fennecs.
Reflecting on his acquaintance with Belmadi, Saintfiet remarked, “I worked in Qatar with Djamel Belmadi with three of my men.
I know him well. We played against him twice in 2018 during the 2019 AFCON qualifiers, and we played two draws against Algeria.” While acknowledging Algeria’s prowess, he highlighted the potential advantage in facing new names in the squad, suggesting, “with these new names with Belmadi, there is a way to get something out of it.”
Elaborating on the tactical approach, the Belgian coach emphasized the importance of playing compact and strategically on the counterattack.
He cautioned against affording Algeria’s star, Amoura, too much space, urging teams to play smart and deny Algeria the opportunity to leverage their individual talent.
Saintfiet astutely pointed out the climatic factor, noting the significant difference when playing in West Africa compared to North African countries.
He emphasized the humid conditions in West Africa and the unique challenges posed, offering a strategic edge for teams in adapting to varying climates.
As AFCON 2023 approaches, Saintfiet’s tactical insights add an intriguing layer to the narrative, setting the stage for strategic battles on the field and further intensifying the excitement surrounding this prestigious continental football tournament.
