Algeria eye qualification on last group phase day

• Algeria have two points from two draws
• They will qualify with a win over Burkina Faso
• Burkina Faso play Angola in the other match

Algeria will be hoping to clinch their first victory at the Africa Cup of Nations as they take on Mauritania in their last Group D match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Bouake.

The Fennecs have two points from back to back draws against Burkina Faso and Angola, and their place in the last 16 depends on whether they can clinch at least a point in their last game.

A point will place them on three points and remain third, which might be enough to sail them through as one of the best four third placed teams. A win will however assure them of either second spot or top of the number three teams.

Head coach Djamel Belmadi says Algeria will be all out for victory and notes they have picked lessons from their first two draws and will be seeking improvement.

“I have observed the mistakes we did and will use it to better our last group match. We could have been disappointed and nervous but we made sure we come to the second game with a better mindset . I’m sure with these players we will get far in this competition,” Belmadi says.

Algeria facing tough team

The Algeria coach adds; “I know Mauritania is not an easy team despite the fact we are ranked higher than them. We have seen what they can do in their first two matches with a lot of determination and fighting spirit. We need to be at our best.”

Angola players celebrate one of their goials at AFCON. PHOTO/CAF

Meanwhile, in a tight Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations, Angola lead the log with four points, and will only need a point in their final match against Burkina Faso to earn qualification to the round of 16

Coach Pedro Goncalves says his team will go all out against a tough Burkina side, seeking victory to assure themselves of finishing top, and avoiding Algeria beating them to automatic qualification.

“We will try to maintain the momentum by seeking qualification in the next round. I would like to pay tribute to my players who gave the best of themselves, while remaining patient. We have a well-defined tactical plan that we will implement for the decisive match against Burkina Faso. It will not be easy but I know we can do it,” the coach noted.

Angola moved top of the group with a well worked victory over Mauritania, and the tactician wants to see the same character and determination from his players.

“We played against a great Mauritanian team, they will still have a lot to prove, they are fighters. It was a spectacular and very committed match. I want to see the same hunger and fighting spirit from the players in the next game,” said the coach.

Burkina Faso are also on four points and also need a win to finish top of the group.

Velud wants his charges to raise the intensity

Burkina Faso head coach Herbert velud

Bukrina head coach Herbert Velud wants his side to raise the intensity when they take on. The Stallions are placed second in the group with four points and need a draw to affirm a place in the last 16.

However, Velud wants his side to charge for victiry to finish top of the group and get a fairer draw in the round of 16.

“We face a very good team, with good individual players and a lot of energy. We need to raise our intensity and play at a high level to get a win and achieve our targets,” the French tactician said. Burkina Faso beat Mauritania 1-0 in their opening match before drawing 2-2 with Algeria in their second game.

Looking back at the draw with Algeria where they conceded a late equalizer, Velud rues lack of concentration and wants his side to do better against Angola.

The coach said; “We had a very good game. We came close to winning but the regret we have is losing concentration for us to concede at the last minute but it was a very beautiful game. I’m satisfied. We did what we wanted to do. Very efficient but we could have taken things more serious in the last minutes. We need to work on the little details then we will come back better.”