Qualified for the round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations, Algeria is nonetheless in great danger.
African champion in 2019, Algeria missed the boat during the last two editions of the CANeliminated from the first phase of the competition in 2021 as in 2023. This time, the Greens, on the other hand, did not fail. Fallers of Sudan on the first day (3-0) and winners of Burkina Faso this Sunday (1-0), Vladimir Petkovic’s men are already qualified for the round of 16.
Better still, even before taking on Equatorial Guinea in three days, the Algerians are guaranteed to finish first in their group. The results of direct confrontations take precedence over the goal difference, no one among the Burkinabés and the Sudanese can in fact join the Fennecs in control of the group.
Yes, but despite this enviable and hard-won status, Algeria will not be spared during the direct elimination phase. Quite the contrary. The draw had in fact reserved for the green nation a more than delicate crossover with Pool D of this CAN 2025. The one which notably houses Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A formidable final phase for Algeria
With the Cheetahs of Benin, the Lions of Teranga and the Congolese Leopards, unlike the Botswana Zebras, are likely to finish second in group D – therefore to face the first in group E in the eighth. In any case, in view of the draw between Senegal and the DR Congo this Saturday (1-1), and barring a miracle in Benin, it is therefore a huge piece that awaits Algeria in the next round.
One thing is certain: it is in Rabat, where they have won their two matches so far, that Riyad Mahrez and others will play next Tuesday, January 6, at 5 p.m. A possible quarter-final could reserve the Algerians an opposition to Nigeria, also first in the group and favorite for their eighth against a third drafted, on January 10 in Marrakech.
