"We are not favorites" : Belmadi plays down Algeria's AFCON 2023 chances

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi has played down the chances of the Desert Foxes ahead of this month’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The former international attempted to take the pressure off his side claiming they are not among the favorites insisting other sides stand a better chance of winning the title.

Belmadi stated that hosts Cote d’Ivoire were the team to beat at the tournament starting on 13 January.

He cited the Ivorians along with the likes of Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria as greater contenders than the former champions.

"We are arriving at this tournament slowly but surely, with a lot of certainty," Belmadi said when unveiling his squad for the continent’s flagship football competition.

"But we are reminded of our elimination from the first round of the last edition, followed by our failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup."

He added: "De facto we are not favorites."

It contrasts sharply with Belmadi's bullish statements before Algeria's triumphant 2019 TotalEnergies AFCON campaign in Egypt.

On that occasion, the coach correctly predicted his side would stun the continent by bringing the trophy back to Algiers.

This time, he is keen to reduce expectations on a team still recovering from the pain of recent setbacks.

No Ndidi for Naija

Algeria did not even reach the knockouts at the 2021 TotalEnergies AFCON in Cameroon two years ago, or qualified for the 2022 World Cup.

But Belmadi still backed his players to perform in Cote d’Ivoire, saying: "We will go there to obtain an optimal result."

Algeria are embarking on a 10-day training camp in the Togolese capital of Lome and playing two friendlies before flying to Cote d’Ivoire for the finals.

Despite his caution, few would write off a talented Algeria squad containing the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Youcef Belaili.

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Under the guidance of Afcon mastermind Belmadi, the North Africans have pedigree and quality in abundance.

While the boss of the Desert Foxes may be downplaying their chances, Algeria remains a serious contender to recapture their continental crown.

©CAF