CAN 2015 Qualifiers: Bougherra Hails Algeria’s Perfect Campaign and Personal Revenge Over Malawi
On the 4th matchday of the CAN 2015 qualifiers, Algeria became the first team to book their ticket to the final tournament, sealing a dominant 3-0 win over Malawi in Blida. With 12 points from four matches, the Fennecs have shown total command of their group. And although veteran defender Madjid Bougherra didn’t feature on the pitch at the Mustapha-Tchaker Stadium, his pride and satisfaction were unmistakable.
“I think we fulfilled our task well. The objective was to achieve four victories in a row and ensure qualification, and that’s done,” Bougherra told reporters after the match.
“Don’t forget that we haven’t lost in the CAN qualifiers for nine matches. That’s not nothing. I think we have proven our status as leaders of the continent.”
A Personal Score Settled
There was also a deeper, emotional layer to this particular fixture. Back in 2010, Algeria suffered a shock 3-0 defeat to Malawi at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, a loss that lingered in the memories of players and fans alike.
“I also think that we, the old players who took part in the 2010 match in Angola, have finally managed to take our revenge on this Malawian selection,” Bougherra added, clearly savoring the symbolic nature of the win.
Leadership Beyond the Pitch
Despite not playing a single minute since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Bougherra emphasized his role as a leader and mentor within this new-look Algerian squad:
“Playing or not playing is not very important. The main thing is that I am happy among this generation of young players. I feel good among my brothers.”
Algeria: The New Continental Standard?
With players like Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli, and a balanced squad under Christian Gourcuff, Algeria appears poised not only to qualify in style, but to arrive in Morocco for CAN 2015 as serious contenders. Their momentum, unity, and hunger suggest that Bougherra’s confidence in Algeria’s leadership on the continent is not misplaced.
