CHAN 2022: Algeria's lack of cutting edge worries Ali Fergani
Algeria have won all their matches, but the home-based Fennecs' limited attacking output is a concern ahead of the game against Ivory Coast
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With Libya, Ethiopia and Mozambique, who are hardly heavyweights, nothing more than qualification was expected of Algeria in this group stage of the CHAN, which they are hosting rather well. The home-based Fennecs have done the job, winning all their matches and sealing qualification as early as their second, against the Ethiopians, a stroke of luck that allowed their coach Madjid Bougherra to rotate his squad heavily against Mozambique. They have not conceded a goal, which is no bad thing, and have played attack-minded football that is not unpleasant to watch, according to observers.
"How will the team react if they go behind?"
But since perfection remains a rather abstract notion, those same observers have noted that Algeria score few goals. Their scoring record is easily summed up: all their wins have come by the same scoreline (1-0), and Aymen Mahious, the USM Alger striker, is something of a (near) saviour, having won the game for his side against Libya and Ethiopia (from the penalty spot). "I admit these problems with efficiency worry me a little", says Ali Fergani, the former midfielder and Algeria coach. "I think the team could have scored a few more goals. They also lack a more creative player in midfield. And I would be curious to see how they react if they find themselves behind at some point, even though I don't necessarily wish for that".
"In the Algerian league, there aren't many goals scored"
Of course, the impressions left by a group stage can fade, and even disappear altogether, once the knockout games begin. On Friday evening, Algeria will find out whether they can hope to put their name on the roll of honour of the CHAN. "The Algerians are favourites, and finishing top of Group A allows them to stay at Baraki, near Algiers, for this quarter-final. But this question of efficiency gives a fairly good indication of the level of the Algerian league, where not many goals are scored and there are not many strikers who shine". That does not stop Fergani from being optimistic and highlighting Bougherra's work. "He is a young coach, what he is doing seems coherent to me, and he wants his team to play well. I just hope this issue of efficiency won't prove too costly…"
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Alexis BILLEBAULT