Wednesday Jan 10, 2024. 16:23
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez claims it will take good preparation, lots of experience as well as a dose of luck to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Fennec Foxes have one of the easier groups in the tournament and will begin their quest for a third AFCON title with matches against Angola, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
Mahrez was part of the squad that conquered Africa in Egypt five years ago and is set to represent his country at the continental showpiece for the fifth time.
The 32-year-old winger, who left Manchester City in the off-season to ply his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, believes making a positive start is another key factor to a successful AFCON campaign.
“Whichever country is the best prepared and enjoys a little bit of luck will go all the way,” Mahrez told reporters.
“Experience is also a major factor. I and many team-mates in the Algerian squad know all about the Cup of Nations.
“Making a good start is often crucial. We beat Kenya in our opening match in 2019 and won the tournament. We drew with Sierra Leone three years later and flopped.”
