Algeria, the defending champions of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), faced another setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Burkina Faso on Saturday. This result adds only two points to their tally in the group, raising questions about the team’s form. In particular, the performance of star player Riyad Mahrez has been a topic of scrutiny, with the winger failing to make a significant impact in both matches.
In the encounter against Burkina Faso, Mahrez’s lackluster display led to his substitution in the 70th minute by coach Djamel Belmadi.
This move, combined with his subdued performances, suggests that the Al-Ahli winger is yet to reach his peak form in the tournament.
Responding to the growing criticism from Algerian supporters, Mahrez took the opportunity to address concerns about his current level of play.
In an interview with Canal+ Afrique, he conveyed a message to the fans while acknowledging the heightened scrutiny that comes with being a prominent figure in the team.
“Me, I’m here, I’m the image of the team. You know Africa, it’s not about going ahead and dribbling past four players.
As Riyad Mahrez, I am certainly watched more closely than my teammates.
But we are here, and in the next match, I will score,” Mahrez stated, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute significantly in the upcoming fixtures.
The comments from the talented winger indicate a determination to rise to the occasion and dispel any doubts about his form.
As Algeria prepares for their next match against Mauritania, Mahrez’s commitment to making a goal-scoring impact will be closely observed by fans and football enthusiasts alike.
