Algeria's national football team captain, Riyad Mahrez, has declared his side's readiness to make amends for their disappointing performances in the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. The 2019 champions begin their latest campaign in Morocco this week, aiming to reclaim their status as continental giants.
Learning from Past AFCON Disappointments
The Desert Foxes, who triumphed in Egypt six years ago, have suffered back-to-back group stage exits. Their title defence in Cameroon in 2022 ended with a mere point, and they failed to win a single match in Ivory Coast during the 2024 edition. Mahrez addressed these setbacks head-on during a press conference in Rabat on Tuesday, ahead of Algeria's opening Group E match against Sudan on Wednesday.
"There is no denying we performed below expectations in the last two AFCONs, but that chapter is closed," stated the Al-Ahli forward. "We now have a golden opportunity, a lifetime chance to correct those mistakes and deliver for our nation. The time for this generation is now."
A Dual Mission: AFCON Glory and World Cup Momentum
This tournament carries immense weight for Algeria on multiple fronts. Ranked as the fourth-best team in Africa by FIFA, they are under pressure to justify that standing. Furthermore, a deep run in Morocco is seen as crucial preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, marking Algeria's first appearance at the global finals since 2014.
For Mahrez, who will turn 35 in February, this AFCON could represent his final major act on the international stage. However, his focus is on ushering in a promising new era. He expressed excitement about emerging talents like VfL Wolfsburg's prolific forward Mohamed Amoura and a notable addition to the squad, goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
Integrating a New Generation and a Famous Name
Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, was born in Marseille and currently plays for Granada in Spain's second division. After making his Algeria debut in October, he is viewed as a potential solution to the team's longstanding goalkeeping concerns under coach Vladimir Petkovic.
"Luca has settled into the group very well and is committed to giving his all for the team," said Mahrez, who himself was born in France to an Algerian father and Moroccan mother. "I understand the weight his surname carries, but he is handling it impressively and not letting it affect his game."
Algeria's path in the tournament is fraught with challenges. After facing Sudan, they will meet Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea in a competitive Group E. The knockout stage draw presents further hurdles; winning the group likely sets up a last-16 clash with the runner-up from a tough Group D containing Senegal and DR Congo. Finishing second would mean a match against the winner of Group F, which features reigning champions Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
The stage is set for Algeria to transform their recent AFCON narrative. Led by an experienced captain and infused with new talent, the Desert Foxes are on a mission of redemption in North Africa.
