Mohamed Amoura says Algeria expect a fierce contest against DR Congo and stresses the national team must deliver pride and happiness for their supporters.
The striker spoke in the mixed zone on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 tie in Morocco and underlined both the scale of the challenge and the readiness of the squad.
Amoura wastes no time in setting the tone. “We know this game will not be easy, but we have prepared well,” he explains, pointing to days of focused work on the training ground.
The Fennecs forward repeats a familiar truth about continental tournaments and warns against any hint of overconfidence.
“In Africa, every match is complicated,” he adds. “No team wins anything in advance here.”
The 25-year-old attacker believes discipline and concentration will shape the outcome. DR Congo arrive with a reputation for resilience and physical strength, and Amoura recognizes the threat.
He calls for calm heads and collective effort when the first whistle blows. “We must stay focused and respect the opponent,” he notes. “We have one clear objective, and that objective is qualification.”
Beyond tactics and preparation, Amoura turns quickly to the emotional bond between players and public.
The Algerian international describes the fans as an essential part of the journey since the opening match of the competition.
“Our fans need no introduction, and they have been with us from the very beginning,” he says. “They support us everywhere, even far from Algeria.”
Large numbers of Algerian supporters have travelled to Morocco, and many more have followed the team from home. Amoura regards that fervour as a powerful motivation.
“This support gives us real strength,” he continues. “We hope to make the people happy.” The striker insists the group feels a heavy sense of responsibility to reward such loyalty with performances on the pitch.
Amoura’s own career began at ES Sétif, where he first drew national attention before earning a move into European football.
He now stands as one of the fresh attacking options in Vladimir Petkovic’s squad and represents a new generation eager to write its own chapter in Algerian history.
Yet the forward keeps the focus firmly on the immediate task rather than personal ambitions.
“The Algerian public needs no introduction,” Amoura says again with a smile. “They love this team, and we know what they expect from us.”
He promises total commitment from every member of the squad. “We hope to make them proud tomorrow,” he concludes. “Fighting spirit, solidarity, and sense of duty will guide us.”
Algeria enter the knockout stage after an intense group phase and now face the narrow margins of elimination football.
Amoura believes the team understands the moment. He trusts the preparation.
He trusts his teammates. Above all, he trusts the supporters who continue to believe.
The Fennecs aim to keep their tournament alive and to give their fans another reason to celebrate.
The real answers will come on the pitch in a match where dreams and expectations collide.
