Madjid Bougherra: Algeria are not the favorites at CHAN

Despite a strong performance to begin their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 3-0 victory over co-hosts Uganda on Monday, Algeria coach Madjid Bougherra recognized that there is still a long way to go in Group C.

In his post-match press conference, Bougherra talked down any premature talk that Les Verts had established themselves as tournament favorite.

“No, we are far (from winning the title). We still have three games and you have three or so good teams that are coming. This group will be tough, very tough.”

“The last competition is the past. In football you need to prove again. We don’t go as the favorite, I told you that when you start a new CHAN you have all the teams as the favorite because all the teams have new players and new coaches. Past the first round, after we see step-by-step. We do everything to win the next game and then after that we talk about it step-by-step.”

Algeria were well in control at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, taking the lead through Ayoub Ghezala’s first half header. Abderrahmane Meziane doubled the lead before substitute Soufiane Bayazid finished a brilliant team movement to complete a decisive result.

The Desert Foxes next face South Africa in Group C on Friday.