AFCON 2025: African legends back Algeria as Fennecs launch campaign in Morocco
Algeria enter the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with renewed belief as two towering figures of African football, Rigobert Song and El-Hadji Diouf, publicly endorse the Fennecs as genuine title contenders ahead of their opening match against Sudan.
Only hours before kick-off, the Algerian camp received a major psychological boost from the former Cameroon captain and ex-Senegal star, both of whom spoke with conviction about Algeria’s potential to go deep into the tournament.
Their comments arrive at a crucial moment for a team eager to restore continental credibility after two painful early exits.
Rigobert Song, former coach of Cameroon and one of Africa’s most respected leaders, placed Algeria firmly at the top of his list of favourites.
He pointed to the squad’s mentality and competitive edge as decisive factors in a tournament often defined by fine margins.
“Algeria are the favourites,” Song said, in remarks shared by the specialist platform Squadra Khadra.
“They need a strong start, and after that everything can fall into place. This team shows determination, intensity and commitment.
They want to prove that they remain a major force in African football.”
Song’s assessment highlights the importance of momentum for the Fennecs, who suffered group-stage eliminations at the last two AFCON editions.
For Algeria, the opening match against Sudan represents more than three points; it offers a chance to set a new tone and silence lingering doubts.
El-Hadji Diouf focused on another decisive element: the role of the supporters. The former African Footballer of the Year underlined the emotional bond between Algeria and its fans, describing the public as a driving force capable of lifting the team in decisive moments.
“We need the Algerian supporters in every competition,” Diouf said, according to La Vague Verte.
“They are passionate, expressive and deeply connected to their team. As a former player, I understand how much that energy matters on the pitch.”
In Morocco, Algeria expect strong backing in the stands, with several matches already announced as sold out.
That atmosphere could provide a significant edge in a competition where pressure and emotion often shape outcomes.
Algeria still carry the weight of recent disappointments despite lifting the trophy in 2019.
However, the appointment of Vladimir Petkovic has ushered in a new phase marked by greater stability and clarity.
World Cup qualification for 2026 has already arrived, reinforcing confidence within the group.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations now stands as a defining test. Against higher-level opposition, Algeria must confirm that promise translates into performance and that the Fennecs can once again impose themselves among Africa’s elite.
El Hadji Diouf 🎙️ :
« On a besoin du public algérien dans chaque compétition. J’aime le public algérien. »
❤️🇩🇿🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/ZhVv6WjWlN
— La Vague Verte ⭐️🇩🇿⭐️ (@la_vagueverte) December 21, 2025
