Mahrez urges Algeria to avoid another early AFCON exit
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has spoken about the pressure facing his team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. After disappointing group stage exits in 2022 and 2024, the Desert Foxes are determined to restore their reputation at the 2025 tournament. Mahrez emphasized that the team cannot afford another failure and acknowledged that expectations are high. Both Mahrez and coach Vladimir Petkovic stressed the importance of unity and realistic goals.
Match highlights
- Riyad Mahrez said Algeria’s recent AFCON failures still weigh heavily on the team.
- The team exited in the group stage in both 2022 and 2024, leading to the dismissal of coach Djamel Belmadi.
- Algeria will compete in Group E at AFCON 2025, facing Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.
- Coach Vladimir Petkovic has guided Algeria to 15 wins in 20 matches and secured qualification for AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.
- Both Mahrez and Petkovic stress that unity and national support are crucial for success this year.
