David GOMBE
Algeria head coach Madjid Bougherra has framed their CHAN Group C encounter against Niger on Monday in Kenya as a defining moment.
Algeria are currently second in Group C with five points and need to maximize points to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
Niger, have already been eliminated and will only be playing for pride against the North African side.
“Our next match is very important for us because it will determine our qualification for the next round,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
“We hope to finish first in the group, but the main thing is to win. Uganda is in a favorable position.”We must not play like we did against Guinea,” he explained. “If we repeat the same matches as against South Africa or Uganda, that’s where we can go far, in sha Allah. Everyone knows what awaits us and what we must do to qualify.”
Bougherra asserts that the decisive factor for his side remains collective determination.
“The match against Niger is decisive, but I believe in my players and their ability to win. The real strength of our team is team spirit. That’s what will make the difference on the pitch,” he stressed.
Victory will extend Algeria’s stay in the competition and keep alive hopes of another deep run in CHAN football while Niger are determined to honour their national team jersey.
