Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has backed Algeria for Africa Cup of Nations glory, while also hoping to see Djamel Belmadi’s squad play very well.
The Desert Warriors are making their 18th appearance in the biennial championship, with their only triumph happening in 1990 when they defeated Nigeria in the final on home soil.
Coach Belmadi has taken a relatively inexperienced group of players to Egypt compared to previous tournaments, with Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani among the team’s big names.
Algeria began their Group C campaign on a flying note after seeing off Kenya 2-0 at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo.
“We want to see the Algerian team playing well for the Algerian people,” Zidane, who is of Algerian Kabyle descent, said on beIN Sports TV.
“I want them to win the title so as to see Algerians celebrating their victory in the streets.”
Senegal are next up for the Desert Warriors on Thursday, before their date with Tanzania in their last group fixture.
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COMMENTS
Where Nigeria dey wey that go dey happen?
In your dreams Zidane, in your dreams!
No mind Zidane. Na foolish man. That headbutt he gave Materazzi, na from there em craze start 🙂
Meanwhile, early morning in GHA VS BEN. Ghana already behind 1 nil.
Immediate reply from Ghana…Andre Ayew. 1-1.
senegal and nigeria will be sleeping right?? not a chance for north africans. only west african can win this… because bafana bafana is the only stubborn south african team… and cameroon the only obstacle in centre african…east african has no chance…