CAIRO – After leading his team to the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final for the first time since winning the title at home in 1990, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi is keen to write a new page in the country’s footballing history.
Riyad Mahrez scored after 94 minutes to hand Algeria a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Nigeria on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium, to set the date for Les Fennecs with Teranga Lions of Senegal in the final on Friday at the same venue.
Belmadi who participated with Algeria in 2004 Afcon as a player was appointed their coach last August, and since then he proved to be the man for this job.
After defeating Nigeria Belmadi told CAFOnline.com:
“We had an amazing first half and could have scored more goals. In the second half we played under pressure for almost 15 minutes. After Nigeria found the equaliser our players showed great character and mental strength to be back in the game, and we fought until we scored in the last gasp and that was great for us.”
Belmadi praised his players and added: “Sometimes we forget who we should thank, so I have to thank my players now for their fighting spirit. We played 120 minutes against Cote d’Ivoire in a very hot weather and now we played a very tough game against Nigeria, a tough opponent who plays good and modern football”.
Regarding the final he said: “The finals are won, not played. We are here now and all that we want is the cup. But we are facing an opponent who always wants to win the cup, so it’s going to be a very tough game. Now we will have some rest and then we will start preparing.”
Djamel Belmadi, head coach of Algeria celebrates their win during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Semifinal football match. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
The Les Fennecs coach was pleased to have two local coaches in the final of the competition.
“I believe this is a message for all football stakeholders on our continent. A young local coach can write history and produce some good football. Aliou Cisse (Senegal coach) is a very good friend of mine and facing him is going to be interesting.
The difference between us is that he is working with Senegal for four years, I have barely been here for a year. He is a very good coach and doing a great job with Senegal.”
“I promise Algerians that I will give everything to make them happy, but I cannot promise them to win the title because that’s not in my hands.”