AFCON: Algeria coach Petkovic impressed with Equatorial Guinea win

Algeria national team coach Vladimir Petkovic was left a happy man following the team’s display especially in the first half of their Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Equatorial Guinea at Stade Moulay Hassan in Morocco on Wednesday.

The Desert Foxes underlined their status as one of the standout after easing to a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, completing the group stage with a flawless record.

Zineddine Belaïd powered home a header beyond goalkeeper Jesús Owono for the opener before Fares Chaïbi doubled their advantage after finishing confidently after sustained pressure around the penalty area. The third goal arrived when Hadj Moussa set up Ibrahim Maza to strike decisively and leave Les Fennecs firmly in control by the interval.

Petkovic impressed with Algeria future

“I think we had one of the best first half performances. Something interesting is the fact that we had seven players born after the 2000s which is good indication of a bright future,” he told the media.

“It’s a pity we conceded but in the same breath, it was a quality goal that was very difficult to avoid. Otherwise, I am very happy without the group acted and reacted throughout this game and all the group matches. We are looking forward to resting so we can be well prepared for the next match.”

Algeria star Anis Hadj Moussa, who won man of the match, said: “Im very delighted having won this trophy. Without the team, I would not have won this trophy. We had to play a good match and win it ahead of the round of 16.

“It will be tough knockout stage, so a win is crucial in getting our confidence up ahead of the knockout stages of the competition.”

Algeria finished top of the pile with nine points and will now face DR Congo in the Round of 16 at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat on Tuesday, January 6.

AFCON Round of 16 fixtures;

Saturday, 3 January 2026
Senegal vs Sudan
17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
Grand Stade de Tangier

Mali vs Tunisia
20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Sunday, 4 January 2026
Morocco vs Tanzania
17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

South Africa vs Cameroon
20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
Stade Al Medina, Rabat

Monday, 5 January 2026
Egypt vs Benin
17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
Grand Stade de Agadir
Nigeria vs Mozambique
20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
Complexe Sportif de Fès

Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Algeria vs DR Congo
17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat