Mahrez eyes strong AFCON showing from Algeria

Algeria skipper Riyad Mahrez remains optimistic that his team can redeem their disappointing performances in the previous two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments as the 2019 winners gear up to launch their bid in Morocco this Wednesday.

The Desert Foxes secured their second AFCON crown during the last edition hosted in North Africa, which took place six years back in Egypt.

Yet, their attempt to defend the title three years ago in Cameroon resulted in an early exit from the group stage with only one point earned, and they similarly struggled without a victory in the 2024 group phase in Ivory Coast.

"Undoubtedly, we underperformed in those last two AFCONs, but those days are over now. We have moved on from that," Mahrez commented on Tuesday in Rabat, ahead of Algeria's match against Sudan on Wednesday.

"This presents us with a golden opportunity, a moment to rectify past mistakes and perform better. Starting tomorrow, it is this current squad's turn to shine."

Algeria seeks to justify their status as Africa's fourth-ranked team per the FIFA standings.

A solid performance in Morocco would also position them well for the World Cup across North America in six months time, following their qualification for the first time since 2014.

The ex-Manchester City winger Mahrez, currently with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, will turn 35 in February, meaning these events might represent his final chapter in international football.

Nevertheless, he expresses enthusiasm for Algeria's emerging talents, such as VfL Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura and goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

Born in Marseille to the French icon Zinedine Zidane, Luca now features for Granada in Spain's second tier.

He earned his first Algeria cap in October, and there are expectations that he could address the longstanding issues in the goalkeeping role under coach Vladimir Petkovic.

"Luca has settled nicely into the group and is committed to contributing fully for the side," noted Mahrez, who was born in France to an Algerian dad and Moroccan mum.

"His surname carries significant expectations, yet he remains unfazed by it."

Post Wednesday's fixture, Algeria faces Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea in a challenging Group E, with potential knockout challenges adding to the difficulty.

Topping the group would lead to a round of 16 encounter with the second place from Group D, featuring Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In contrast, a runner-up finish would pit them against the Group F leaders, comprising title holders Ivory Coast and Cameroon.