Algeria, a formidable force in African football, is embarking on a quest to clinch their third TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title, marking their 19th appearance in the prestigious tournament. The North African giants, keen to make amends for their disappointment in the 2021 edition and their absence from the World Cup, are drawn in Group D, a competitive cluster featuring Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania, in this year’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.
The team’s journey in the tournament will kick off against Angola at the Bouaké Stadium on January 15th, followed by a crucial clash with Burkina Faso on January 20th, and concluding the group stage against Mauritania on January 23rd. Algeria’s path to this year’s tournament was marked by an impressive qualification campaign, topping Group F with 16 points from five wins and a draw, remaining undefeated throughout.
One player who has been pivotal to Algeria’s success and will be under the spotlight is the 23-year-old Mohamed Amin Amoura. A rising talent in African football, Amoura has made a name for himself in Europe, particularly in the Belgian football scene with Saint-Geloise, where he scored 16 goals in the tournament. His remarkable ability to shoot with both legs and skillfully outmaneuver defenders in one-on-one situations makes him a player to watch.
Guiding the team is Djamel Belmadi, managing the national team for the third time in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals. Belmadi, who led Algeria to their title in 2019 on Egyptian soil, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of continental football. His leadership will be crucial as he aims to steer Algeria to glory.
Reflecting on their previous performances, Algeria’s journey in the AFCON has been a mix of highs and lows. From their first-round appearance in 1968, runner-up in 1980, and achieving fourth place in 1982, they have shown consistent growth. Notable achievements include finishing third in 1984 and 1988, becoming champions in 1990, and repeating this triumph in 2019. However, their performance in the 2021 tournament, where they exited at the group stage, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.
As Algeria prepares for their upcoming matches, the team’s focus is not just on winning but also on regaining their status as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. With a blend of experienced leadership, emerging talent, and a solid track record, Algeria is poised to make a strong statement in this year’s TotalEnergies AFCON.
