Algeria’s Desert Foxes are gearing up for another shot at glory at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With a great history in the tournament, having won the AFCON trophy twice, Algeria’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Having made an impressive 19 appearances in AFCON, Algeria’s track record reveals a degree of inconsistency. Despite their numerous participations, they have faced eight group stage exits and four quarter-final eliminations. However, they have also shone in the tournament, reaching the semi-finals seven times and emerging victorious in 1990 and 2019.
The historic 1990 triumph came when Algeria hosted the tournament. The Desert Foxes showcased their dominance with convincing victories, including a memorable 5-1 win over Nigeria, a 3-0 triumph against Ivory Coast, and a 2-0 victory over Egypt in the group stage. They continued their impressive form in the knockout stage, securing a 2-1 win over Senegal and ultimately clinching the trophy with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the final.
A prolonged wait ensued until 2019 for Algeria’s second AFCON triumph. The team displayed a stellar performance, topping their group by beating every team without conceding a goal. The knockout stage saw them defeat Guinea 3-0 and overcome Ivory Coast in the quarters via penalty shootouts. In a tense semi-final against Nigeria, a last-minute strike from RiyadMahrez secured a 2-1 victory, setting the stage for a triumphant final against Senegal.
However, their title defense in the subsequent AFCON faced a setback as they exited the group phase, unable to outsmart rivals like Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
Heading into the 2023 edition, Algeria carries renewed hopes, with their last competitive defeats dating back to March 2022 in the World Cup qualification playoff. The Desert Foxes are determined to showcase their prowess once again on the continental stage and aim for a third AFCON title.
2023 AFCON Fixtures:
• 15 January 2024: Algeria vs Angola
• 20 January 2024: Algeria vs Burkina Faso
• 23 January 2024: Mauritania vs Algeria
Key Players to Watch:
1. Riyad Mahrez (Captain): The decorated winger, with numerous accolades and an AFCON title under his belt, leads Algeria’s charge. His skills, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess make him a standout player.
2. Islam Slimani: Algeria’s all-time top scorer, Slimani’s experience, goal-scoring ability, and leadership position him as a formidable force in the forward line.
3. Sofiane Feghouli: Infusing experience into the squad, Feghouli’s creative prowess and goal-scoring capabilities make him a pivotal asset in the midfield.
Coach Djamel Belmadi: Djamel Belmadi, at the helm for the past five years, guided Algeria to AFCON triumph in 2019. His experience, tactical acumen, and resilience make him a crucial asset as Algeria seeks to reclaim AFCON glory.
Team Statistics:
• Appearances: 19
• Best Results: Champions in 1990 and 2019
• Worst Result: Group stage in 1968, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2002, 2013, 2017, and 2021
• Most capped player: Lakhdar Belloumi with 100 appearances
• Captain: Riyad Mahrez
• Top scorer: Islam Slimani with 45 goals in 98 appearances
The AFCON tournament will start on January 13, 2024 and conclude on February 11.
