As they enter CAN 2023, Algeria’s Fenex conceded a draw against Angola (1-1) in Boake on Monday. A result which, for many, was considered a poor performance given the quality and aspirations of the Algerian team.
Baghdad Bounedjah, Al-Saddna’s center forward, quickly opened the scoring (18th) by taking advantage of a long opening by his favorite teammate, Youssef Belali. However, despite the clear dominance, especially in the first period, the Algerians could not take away the victory, as Palancas Negras equalized in the 68th minute of the game from the penalty spot. Which was not at all to Djamel Belmadi’s taste.
This poor performance sparked numerous reactions, most notably former French international defender (1 cap), Michael Ciani, who shared his strong view on this failed start. According to him, it is not a problem of the system, but a question of generation and attitude.
“I don’t think it’s a system problem.,” declared the former Bordeaux player After CAN on waves of RMC. “It’s all well and good to say Mahrez isn’t fit, but who is the replacement? I think it is a question of generation. I think Algeria looks very good today.“
🗣️ “It’s a shame the stadiums aren’t full and the atmosphere is lacking…”
Visiting After CAN, former French international Michel Ciani, who plays for Bordeaux, gives his opinion on the start of the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. pic.twitter.com/XHroi053UY
— After RMC (@AfterRMC) January 16, 2024
There is not much room for error
Siani’s statement highlights the challenges facing the Algerian team. After the fiasco during the last CAN Cameroon (Elimination in the first round) and non-qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Fenix finds itself at a critical juncture.
Their next match is against Burkina Faso on Saturday, then Mauritania (01/23), so it becomes crucial to overcome the situation and avoid further disappointment. Ismail Benasar’s team-mates are thus under pressure, not only to meet the high expectations of their supporters, but also to prove that they can overcome the critics and return strongly to the African scene.
