Algeria striker Sofiane Feghouli assumes the status of favorite of his team, which “wants to keep the title” of African champion, which she begins to defend this Tuesday once morest Sierra Leone, in Douala (2 pm) .
For Feghouli, the triumph at CAN 2019 was a real turning point. “Winning in Egypt, a football country, in a 24-team competition is really extraordinary. It was historic. What makes me especially happy is that following this victory, we continued: the team is on a series of 33 games (34 now, Editor’s note) without defeat, it proves continuity and seriousness ”.
For the Galatasaray player, the selection coached by Djamel Belmadi can assume his status as a scarecrow in this African Cup organized in Cameroon. “We are the favorites, but we are never immune to a surprise. Once on the ground, you have to give your best. We don’t hide it, we want to keep the title. This is the very high level, it is to last for years. Today, we are the team to beat and we will try to continue that way. The objective is to win once more in Cameroon ”.
“We have a group that wants to move forward”
A pressure with which Feghouli and his partners have learned to evolve. “The pressure is always present, between us we try not to relax, we are lucky to have an exceptional coach in the national team, who has the words, who knows how to play the competition and who gives his chance to everybody. We have a group that wants to move forward and that does not relax. The proof, this series of matches without defeat. It not only proves the work, the talent but also the dedication of this team ”.
Djamel Belmadi, the coach, keeps a decisive role in the good results of the selection according to Feghouli. “Nowadays, it’s rare people who are frank, and for me it is a quality, I have always been frank in my career and I have very rarely known a coach like that, who goes straight to the purpose and who is saying it. He gave all the players a chance, no one can complain regarding not having played, and from the moment you play, it’s up to you to validate your place. From there, an eleven gradually emerged and those who did not adhere to that little by little left the group and the team performed. The coach has his results for him, the team appreciates him and the people too ”.
Finally, the Galatasaray player recognizes the pride of playing for Algeria, a country increasingly passionate regarding football. “The Algerian team has a very special relationship with the people due to its history. When the coach (Belmadi) arrived, he explained that the national team is above everything, he insisted on it. For me, the love of the jersey means that, perhaps unlike other teams, we have more desire to fight ”.
