Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has expressed confidence in the Desert Foxes’ readiness to move beyond recent Africa Cup of Nations setbacks as they begin their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco against Sudan, Bold Sports reports.
Speaking ahead of the Group E encounter, Mahrez acknowledged past disappointments while underlining the team’s renewed focus and ambition.
“There is no doubt that we were not good at the last two AFCONs, but that is now behind us,” Mahrez said. “We have a new opportunity to do better and to show what this generation is capable of.”
Algeria are aiming to rebound from early exits at the 2021 and 2023 editions, with head coach Vladimir Petković overseeing a squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents. The integration of new faces has added renewed energy and balance to the team as they prepare for the continental showpiece.
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Mahrez highlighted the influence of attacking forward Mohamed Amoura and goalkeeper Luca Zidane, both of whom have bolstered competition within the squad.
Amoura’s pace and attacking threat provide added dynamism in the final third, while Zidane, who made his international debut in October, is expected to strengthen Algeria’s goalkeeping department.
Drawn in Group E alongside Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, Algeria will be targeting a strong start to their campaign as they seek to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite and build momentum ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup in North America.
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