Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra has urged his players to remain fully focused as they prepare to face Sudan in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Saturday evening in Zanzibar.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the highly anticipated tie, Bougherra praised his team’s progress so far but underlined the increased demands of the knockout stage.
The former Algeria international, who has guided the “local” national side into the last eight, emphasised that his players are motivated and ready for what he expects to be a fiercely contested encounter.
“We have accomplished our first mission by qualifying for the CHAN quarter-finals,” Bougherra said. “Now we are entering a new competition, one where every game is a knockout. The players are very motivated. Alhamdoulilah, we are ready for this very important match.”
Algeria advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group C behind Uganda, completing the group stage unbeaten with one win and three draws.
While the team has shown resilience, they have yet to fully hit top form, and Bougherra believes a sharper edge will be required against Sudan.
“Currently, we are in a new stage of this competition, that of the knockout matches, and our players are very motivated,” he continued. “We are in full preparation and totally ready for this meeting.”
Bougherra, who captained Algeria during his playing career, expects Sudan to provide a stern test. The East African side topped their group ahead of defending champions Senegal, underlining their quality and potential to spring surprises.
“The quarter-final against Sudan will be a new final for us,” Bougherra explained. “The further we advance in the tournament, the more complicated the matches become.
They are decided on very small details. The competition remains open to surprises. There are no small or big teams, regardless of reputation or resources.”
The Algerian coach also defended the significance of CHAN, a competition reserved for players based in their domestic leagues. He said the tournament continues to showcase emerging talent and remains vital for the growth of African football.
“The CHAN allows us to discover talented players who started from scratch,” Bougherra said. “We must not dismiss a team because it does not field professionals.
Each generation brings renewal, and some nations are progressing. But we also remain Algeria, and our objective is always to compete at the highest level.”
Bougherra concluded his remarks with a warning to his players about complacency. “There are no weak teams. As the saying goes, clothes don’t make the man, and in football, money doesn’t make the player. Every opponent must be respected.”
With Algeria seeking to reach the semi-finals for a third time, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a stern test. Sudan, buoyed by their impressive group-stage campaign, will look to upset Bougherra’s side, while Algeria hope their preparation and focus will carry them one step closer to the title.
