The Algerian national team entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations shrouded in doubt, far from being considered favorites or even strong contenders. Pessimism surrounded the team, with many dismissing their chances of competing for the title. The memories of disjointed and weak performances in the Cameroon and Ivory Coast editions of the tournament lingered in the minds of analysts and experts.
This perception was reinforced by the quiet atmosphere surrounding the team’s training camp and their arrival in Rabat. However, as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding, and Riyad Mahrez and his teammates delivered on the field, both in performance and results. More importantly, the team showcased the mark of a coach who has adopted silence as a weapon to silence critics.
The surprise was evident in the third group stage match, where the coach introduced a new, youthful lineup, resting eight key players. Could this be a sign of a potential title win? Will the scenario of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations repeat itself? Has Algeria’s strong performance unsettled their rivals, particularly those considered strong favorites, setting off alarm bells in their camps?
Algeria’s impressive performance and their flawless run in the first round, topping Group C with a perfect nine points, have triggered a wave of negativity aimed at the national team. Detractors, driven by envy, are attempting to disrupt the players’ focus and put them under pressure. However, the best response is silence.
The Desert Warriors will not respond through paid media or unreliable sources. Their response will be on the field. Captain Mahrez and his teammates will aim to continue their winning streak against the Democratic Republic of Congo, progressing further in the competition and potentially putting pre-tournament favorites in an uncomfortable position.
Silence in the face of criticism is the strategy adopted by coach Petkovic and his staff in this tournament, aiming to bring joy to the fans and deliver a resounding response. Those who remained unfazed by the intense atmosphere of Omdurman will not be affected by noise or falsehoods. The caravan moves on, regardless of the barking dogs.
