A prominent Senegalese international player has expressed his admiration for the Algerian national team, suggesting they are poised for a strong showing in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The player, Moussa Niakhaté, a defender for the Senegalese national team and French club Olympique Lyon, believes Algeria possesses the quality and experience to make a significant impact at the 2025 tournament.
Niakhaté emphasized that Algeria’s recent setbacks in previous editions of the competition do not accurately reflect the team’s true potential. He dismissed the possibility of Algeria suffering a third consecutive group stage exit, citing his understanding of the Algerian players’ mentality and their ability to bounce back from adversity.
“The mental aspect is crucial,” Niakhaté stated. “Algerians don’t succumb to negative perceptions or believe in persistent bad luck. They rely on hard work and responding on the field, making them a formidable opponent in any tournament.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, Niakhaté revealed his personal desire to see a high-stakes semi-final clash between Algeria and Morocco, describing it as a must-watch encounter. He believes the Algerian squad boasts a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and talented youngsters capable of making a difference, giving them a genuine chance to achieve remarkable results.
The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21st to January 18th. Algeria has been drawn into Group E alongside Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.
Niakhaté’s comments reflect the respect that Algeria commands from other stars on the continent. It also reinforces the notion that Les Fennecs remain a force to be reckoned with in African football, eager to correct their course and reclaim the continental prestige they once enjoyed. Algeria will be looking to prove their doubters wrong.
