Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has admitted that the sting of consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage exits still lingers, as the Desert Foxes head to Morocco determined to restore their reputation.
The 2019 champions arrive at AFCON 2025 bearing the scars of disappointing campaigns in 2022 and 2024, when they failed to win a single match. Shock losses to Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania—the latter recording its first-ever AFCON victory—prompted a period of reflection and ultimately led to the dismissal of long-serving coach Djamel Belmadi.
Drawn in Group E alongside Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea, Algeria face pressure to prove that those humiliations were anomalies, not a pattern.
Mahrez, now at Al Ahli, stressed that the squad is fully aware of the stakes. “We have to be realistic given what happened in the last two AFCON tournaments. We dare not fail again,” the 34-year-old winger told CAF Online.
Despite being listed among tournament contenders, Mahrez downplayed expectations, insisting reputation alone cannot win games. “Some observers are including us among the title favourites, but that means nothing. Morocco have to be the favourites—they’re playing at home with massive support,” he added.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who replaced Belmadi after seven years leading Switzerland, has guided Algeria to 15 wins in 20 matches and secured qualification for both AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.
Even so, Petkovic urged caution. “Our first goal is to reach the second round, then we shall see,” he told Algerian media. “We are favourites in our group, and we must accept that responsibility.”
While Algeria are again mentioned among potential champions, Petkovic refused to promise glory. He emphasized that unity, not just tactics or individual talent, will determine the team’s success.
“What I can assure Algerians is that the team will wear the national jersey with pride and courage,” he said. “Unity is crucial. Without the support of the entire nation, achieving success will be difficult.”
