AFCON 2015 Qualifiers: Algeria Face Mali in Pressure-Free Finale
Bamako, Mali – 19 November 2014
Algeria will visit Bamako this Wednesday for their final match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the outcome largely irrelevant to their prospects. Already assured of their place in next year’s tournament, the Greens are set to face Mali in a relaxed encounter that will provide coach Christian Gourcuff with an opportunity to rotate his squad and give players a chance to impress.
Having secured qualification with a perfect record—five wins from five matches—Algeria are looking to cap off a flawless campaign with a historic 6 out of 6. However, with no pressure on the outcome, Gourcuff’s focus is on the preparation for the AFCON finals, where the competition will intensify.
“We’ve already achieved our goal, but this match is part of our broader preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations,” Gourcuff said upon his arrival in Bamako on Tuesday evening. “There will be a mix of experience and opportunity for those who have not had much playing time so far. It’s important to give others a chance to showcase themselves.”
Despite being in an enviable position, Algeria’s coach is keen to see some of his less frequently used players on the pitch. The match, coming just four days after their comfortable win in Blida, allows Gourcuff to experiment while maintaining a solid foundation in the team.
The Greens’ starting lineup is expected to feature a blend of regulars and those eager to make an impact. In goal, Rais M’Bolhi’s usual spot is likely to be taken by Mohamed Lamine Doukha, with a defensive line that could include Mehdi Zeffane, Rafik Belkalem, Carl Medjani, and Faouzi Ghoulam.
In midfield, Algerian stalwart Carl Medjani will be joined by the experienced Mehdi Lacen, while playmaker Sofiane Feghouli could be rested to make room for others. Up front, the familiar strike force of Islam Slimani and El Arbi Hillel Soudani will feature, with options for a more experimental lineup depending on how the match unfolds.
Algeria’s historic 100% record in the qualifiers will be a source of pride, but the upcoming match will serve as a low-pressure platform for the players who have been on the periphery of the first team. It will also provide Gourcuff with valuable insights as he fine-tunes his squad for the main event in January.
For Mali, the stakes could not be higher. A win over Algeria would give the Eagles a fighting chance of reaching the finals, depending on other results.
Kick-off for the match at the Stade du 26 Mars is scheduled for Wednesday evening, as the two sides meet in what promises to be an intriguing and final chapter in Group B’s qualification campaign.
