AFCON 2023 - Djamel Belmadi: "We can't take anything for granted"

Algeria coach Djamel Belamdi is wary of his Group D opponents at AFCON 2023. The Algerians share the group with Burkina Faso, Angola and Mauritania. "What I can say about our group, and I think most coaches would agree, especially those who have worked a lot in Africa, is that there are no small teams in Africa any more. We therefore expect the matches to be complex and difficult, and we must prepare well for the group stage of the competition," Belmadi said on the website of the CAF.

Algeria suffered a major disappointment at the last AFCON in Cameroon. As holders, the Algerians were knocked out in the first round, in a group that was within their reach. In Ivory Coast, Algeria are determined to avoid a repeat at all costs. "It will be a difficult group for everyone, but there are always surprises at the Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria suffered a shock first-round exit in Cameroon, where we were the holders. So we know we can't take anything lightly and that every match has to be well prepared."

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If there is one side that intrigues Djamel Belmadi in Group D, it is Burkina Faso, semi-finalists at the last AFCON. The Algerian explains: "We played Burkina Faso in the last World Cup qualifiers and they will be a very tough side to face. Burkina Faso are a strong, ambitious team who have improved a great deal. It will be a hard match, but a quality one, and we must be well prepared for it."

Winners in 1990 and 2019, Algeria are chasing a third star. But for now, Belmadi does not want to get carried away. "Every competitor wants to go as far as possible in a tournament like this. Nobody can be sure what will happen, because every team here is aiming to win the title. The standard of football in Africa is exceptional. It can be a challenge for teams with players based in Europe, who don't always play in conditions of high humidity. However, we will do our best."