AFCON: Himad Abdelli says Algeria have chance to shine in Morocco

Algeria midfielder Himad Abdelli has revealed why the North Africans have a good chance to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 35th edition will get underway on Sunday with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros in the opener. However, for Algeria, they have been pooled in Group E against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.

They will be making their 21st AFCON appearance in Morocco, and have won Cup twice: the first time was when they hosted the tournament in 1990, and they won a second title in the 2019 edition, held in Egypt.

Algeria also finished second in the 1980 edition, held in Nigeria, and third in the 1984 and 1988 editions, held in Ivory Coast and Morocco respectively.

‘I think in Morocco, we have every chance’

“As an Algerian, I’ll tell you this: God willing, we win. Of course, considering the last two AFCONs, we went out in the group stage, it was tough. I think things have changed, there’s a fresh start,” Abdelli told Foot Mercato in an interview as quoted by Foot Africa.

“We might shock more than one team, because now people expect us to go out in the groups. It’s up to us to surprise them. I think in Morocco, we have every chance, because the facilities will be good, the pitches will be good.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Fares Chaibi believes with Morocco hosting the AFCON, Algeria stand the best chance to win it.

“We’re eagerly waiting for this Cup,” Chaibi told Reuters as reported by Flashscore. “It will undoubtedly be a fantastic tournament. Our Moroccan brothers have excellent infrastructure and know how to organise events.

“We have no doubt about the quality of the stadiums. I think all teams are happy to play in Morocco, and I hope ⁠it will be a great tournament.”

Chaibi added: “Morocco has the same climate as Algeria, we won’t feel like strangers, we’ll almost be at home. We have everything to deliver a big tournament, and we’re going there to make it happen.”

Algeria will kick off their campaign against Sudan at Moulay Hassan Stadium on Wednesday, December 24.

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