Algeria’s status as the top-ranked soccer nation on the continent comes under tough scrutiny as the African Nations Cup finals moves into a third day on Monday.
They play South Africa, who take a 12-match unbeaten run, impressive recent form and the elimination of defending champions Nigeria in the qualifiers, into the match at the Estadio de Mongomo.
The opening Group C game will, however, be a heavyweight clash between Ghana and Senegal.
The kick-off of the group has been much anticipated as it features four nations who can be considered title contenders.
Algeria breezed through the qualifying competition with five wins from six on the back of reaching the second round at the World Cup last year. Ghana also participated in Brazil.
Senegal have a strong look about their side, led by the Premier League-based attacking duo of Papiss Demba Cisse and Mame Birame Diouf.
Algeria coach Christian Gourcuff said his squad was focussing on football and nothing else, adding that they were playing to win the tournament.
”In our case we are focussing on what to do about football, about working for the improvement of team play. It is the ambition of the players to rest afterwards. We will not get lost in gossip or things we should not do. In mastering the competition, we know that there are 16 teams who want to win the Afcon. If one engages in a competition it is to win and we are in the same state of spirit as other teams”
Meanwhile, former Bafana Bafana keeper Calvin Marlin believes the competition for the No.: 1 jersey in the national team is the healthiest it has been in many years
Algeria defender Rafik Halliche said the players knew fans at home expected the squad to return with the trophy and that’s what they hope to do.
“We are aware that our people expect this trophy. It’s been a long time and we know they are mostly behind us and that gives us mental support to do everything and Inshallah (God willing) bring the cup home”
Ghana captain Andre Ayew, sitting alongside coach Avram Grant, told his news conference that Senegal would give them a tough game and his team would have to be vigilant.
“Yes, it is true that we have a fairly complicated game (against Senegal). I think this game will be a good match. There will be a lot of determination of two dimensions. It’s been a long time that the Senegalese have not been this far this competition. They will have the heart to do well. We will have to be vigilant. We have to do our job well, starting with that first game.”
Alain Giresse, the coach of Senegal, said Group C was a tough one and it would take some effort to qualify for the next round.
“In this group there are three other teams, two teams that made the World Cup (sic), so it takes a little to qualify from a difficult group. We know we will have opponents to face who have high standards and it will not be easy. The game we have to play will not be easy, bearing in mind the value of these teams.”
Meanwhile, former Bafana Bafana keeper Calvin Marlin believes the competition for the No.: 1 jersey in the national team is the healthiest it has been in many years.
Since the death of Bafana’s goalkeeper and Captain Senzo Meyiwa in October, Darren Keet, Brilliant Khuzwayo and Jackson Mabokgwane have all been utilised between the posts – with all three of them looking to stake a claim in Bafana’s opening game at the Afcon tournament against Algeria at the Estadio de Mongomo.
The battle for the jersey is set to hot up even further with the imminent return from a long layoff of former Bafana captain Itumeleng Khune.
Marlin backed Darren Keet to be coach Shakes Mashaba’s first choice keeper at Afcon in Equatorial Guinea. – additional reporting by SABC
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