Medhi Lacen, the captain of the Algerian national team, expressed his disappointment and frustration following Algeria’s elimination from the 2013 African Cup of Nations (CAN) after a 2-0 defeat to Togo. Lacen acknowledged that the team had high expectations and believed they were among the favorites for the tournament’s final victory.
Despite the early exit, Lacen emphasized the need not to question the work that had been done to build the team. He pointed out that the squad consisted of young players with the potential to improve and demonstrate their capabilities in the future. Lacen acknowledged that the elimination was a bitter disappointment, especially considering the team’s preparations for the tournament.
Looking ahead, Lacen expressed confidence in the team’s future, stating that the players were already questioning themselves. He believed that with expected reinforcements, the team would become stronger. As the captain, Lacen remained optimistic about the selection’s prospects and urged encouragement during these difficult times.
With the upcoming match against Ivory Coast, Lacen hoped the team could end their CAN campaign on a positive note by aiming for victory and scoring goals, providing a boost to morale. Additionally, he mentioned the importance of maintaining serenity, especially with the World Cup qualifiers scheduled shortly after the CAN.
