Aïssa Mandi used Algeria’s pre-match press conference to underline Riyad Mahrez’s importance to the national team and to stress the need for focus as the Fennecs prepare to face Burkina Faso in their second Group E match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Algeria take to the pitch on Saturday at 4:30pm knowing the encounter will provide a clearer measure of their ambitions in the tournament.
Burkina Faso arrive with confidence after also winning their opening fixture, making the contest a direct battle for control of the group.
Speaking alongside head coach Vladimir Petković, Mandi placed the spotlight firmly on captain Riyad Mahrez, who scored twice in the opening victory over Sudan.
The experienced defender described the winger as a key figure both on and off the pitch.
“Riyad remains a great player,” Mandi said. “Everyone saw that again in the first match. He is our leader and our captain.
He takes responsibility, and he has always done that for this team. He started this AFCON very well and continues to work extremely hard to reach the level he showed against Sudan.”
Mandi also addressed broader issues around the African game, including the recent decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations to a four-year cycle from 2028.
The most capped player in Algeria’s history expressed his support for the reform, arguing that it could bring balance and long-term benefits.
“An Africa Cup of Nations every four years makes sense,” he explained. “Every two years can feel repetitive.
A four-year cycle, similar to major tournaments elsewhere, feels logical. The introduction of a league-style competition could also help the development of football across the continent.”
Despite those wider discussions, Mandi insisted that Algeria’s immediate focus remains on the challenge posed by Burkina Faso.
He warned against complacency and urged his teammates to look forward rather than dwell on recent disappointments at past editions of the tournament.
“This match will tell us a lot,” he added. “We face a strong opponent that also won its first game. We must concentrate fully on what we need to do on the pitch and continue building with confidence.”
With both teams level on points, the outcome could shape Group E decisively, giving added weight to Mandi’s call for concentration and leadership.
