Algeria land in Bouaké, Belmadi, eager to start
Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua
Algeria touched down in Bouake on Wednesday with coach Djamel Belmadi eager for his team to start their participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
Riyad Mahrez led a contingent of players and technical staff that arrived at the Aeroport De Bouaké at 12:15 pm local time, with the Saudi Arabia-based captain revealing that the Desert Foxes had good preparations for the competition.
The squad was met on arrival by an artistic display of local culture – music, drumming, and dancing by an ensemble, and several Algerians in Bouake were also on hand to welcome their national heroes.
The two-time winners looked elegant in their apparel as they were led by former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, who will be a key figure for the former champions.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com upon their arrival, coach Belmadi said the team was raring to go, and they could not wait to get their campaign started.
“We are happy to be here, and we are in a hurry to start the tournament. We had good preparation, something that we didn’t get in the last AFCON, and of course, our target is to win this competition like many teams. We know it will be tough,” he said.
Captain Mahrez, who now plies his trade for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, says they had good preparation and will take the tournament game after game.
“We had a good preparation, and we are ready. We can’t wait to start showing how prepared we are to compete. The objective is winning the first game, and then we will see,” he said.
The Desert Foxes are drawn in Group D with Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.
Algeria started their campaign against Angola at the 40 000-capacity Stade de la Paix on Monday, 15 January, before taking on Burkina Faso five days later. They conclude their group campaign against Mauritania on 23 January.
The team shall get to test the facilities and rest their limbs before kicking off their 34th TotalEnergies CAF AFCON on Monday at 8 pm local time against Angola at the 40,000-capacity Stade de la Paix (Stadium of Peace) Bouaké.
Djamel Belmadi’s men will take on Burkina Faso and Mauritania on January 20 and 23, respectively.
