Algiers – National team coach Vladimir Petkovic has lauded the significant contribution of Algeria’s substitutes, acknowledging their pivotal role in the team’s success during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Petkovic believes the depth of the squad was instrumental in securing their place in the quarter-finals.
In post-match comments, Petkovic emphasized that the strength of the Algerian team lies not only in its starting eleven but also in the overall quality and tactical flexibility offered by the entire squad. He noted that utilizing a wide range of players throughout the previous matches has fostered a healthy competitive spirit within the team, providing the coaching staff with greater options.
The coach explained that making substitutions was not an easy task, especially considering the physical fatigue experienced by some players. He added that every player demonstrated great commitment and gave their all on the field, reflecting the team’s strong collective mentality.
Tactically, Petkovic highlighted the team’s focus on possession and quick play. He mentioned the strategic deployment of Amoura in the forward line to exploit available space, expressing his overall satisfaction with the players’ performance.
Petkovic concluded by emphasizing that Algeria’s dominance in the final thirty minutes of the game proved to be the decisive factor. “The team successfully imposed their rhythm and scored the winning goal,” he stated, “demonstrating the team’s character and ability to perform under pressure, giving them a significant morale boost ahead of the next round’s challenges.”
