Algeria Look to Justify Favourites Tag Against Lesotho
Algeria will aim to solidify their position as Group J favourites when they face Lesotho this Sunday in Maseru, as part of the second round of 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
With high expectations and a talented squad, coach Christian Gourcuff is leaving nothing to chance. In preparation for the altitude of 1,500 metres in Lesotho’s capital, Algeria have been based in Pretoria, South Africa, for a five-day acclimatization camp.
Midfielder Ryad Boudebouz, who currently plays for Montpellier, believes the national team has been given every possible advantage to succeed.
“We are facing a serious challenge, but we absolutely must win, because we will have no excuses tomorrow,” Boudebouz told El Watan. “We’ve made the necessary effort in training, and we must now capitalize on our strengths to emerge victorious.”
The Algerian squad held their final training session on Thursday morning at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The session focused on technical drills and light tactical work.
Boudebouz praised the staff’s decision to hold the camp in southern Africa:
“This match was prepared in the best possible conditions. I think the technical staff did well to schedule this acclimatization camp. All the ingredients are now in place to leave here with the three points.”
Despite the artificial turf at Setsoto Stadium and Lesotho’s home advantage, Boudebouz remained confident.
“The nature of the pitch shouldn’t be a handicap. We are ready for any situation. We watched footage of Lesotho’s match against Ethiopia and that gives us a good idea of what to expect. Lesotho will surely press us to get a result, but in this kind of match, the key is to focus on ourselves, not the opponent.”
Algeria, who opened their qualifying campaign with a dominant 4–0 win over Seychelles, currently top Group J on goal difference ahead of Ethiopia, who beat Lesotho 2–1.
With preparation complete and confidence high, Algeria will now look to translate training-ground discipline into a crucial away victory.
