Algeria's national team coach, Djamel Belmadi, expressed satisfaction with his team's 2-0 victory over Kenya in their opening match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Belmadi attributed the win to his team's dominance in the first half and their ability to manage the game in the second half. He praised his players for their efficiency, stating that they were clinical in front of goal.
Belmadi acknowledged that Kenya posed a challenge, particularly in the second half when they changed their formation to 4-4-2 and became more ambitious. However, the Algerian coach was pleased with his team's response, saying they handled the situation well and were not put under significant pressure. He emphasized that his team had prepared well for the match, taking into account Kenya's strengths and weaknesses.
The Algerian team's star player, Riyad Mahrez, was a key factor in the win, and Belmadi was asked about his impact on the team. However, the coach refused to draw comparisons between Mahrez and other top players, such as Mohamed Salah of Egypt. Belmadi emphasized that Mahrez is a talented player who performs well when not under excessive pressure, and he urged the media to avoid putting too much focus on the Manchester City player.
Belmadi also addressed a moment in the game when he called upon defender Youcef Atal, who had conceded a penalty. The coach clarified that he had not instructed Atal to drop deeper and defend, but rather to stay focused and composed. Belmadi praised Atal's overall performance and expressed confidence in his team's defensive abilities.
Looking ahead to their next match against Senegal on Thursday, Belmadi acknowledged that it will be a tough encounter. He described Senegal as a strong team with talented players, who are also a World Cup participant. The Algerian coach expressed his hope that his team will be well-prepared for the match and able to compete at a high level.
Belmadi's team dominated possession and created scoring opportunities against Kenya, and he was pleased with their overall display. He emphasized that his team had worked hard to prepare for the tournament and were determined to make a strong impression. The Algerian coach also praised his team's discipline and organization, which allowed them to control the tempo of the game.
Algeria's win over Kenya puts them in a strong position in Group C, and they will look to build on their momentum against Senegal. The team's next match will be a significant test of their abilities, but Belmadi expressed confidence in his team's chances. He emphasized that his team will focus on their own performance and not be distracted by external factors.
Key points
- Algeria's coach Djamel Belmadi praises team's efficiency in 2-0 win over Kenya
- Belmadi refuses to draw comparisons between Riyad Mahrez and other top players
- Algeria's next match is against Senegal on Thursday in Group C
