Algerian defender Antar Yahia: Beat Mali or let die

The German club, Bochum, defender Antar Yahia has confirmed his readiness to take part to the next match with the Algerian national squad, mentioning that he was waiting for the coach’s go ahead.

• He has indicated that today’s fixture versus Mali would be a final for the Greens as they will put on all their weight to wrench a victory over their component.
• Q: How is the mood amid the group after the slam versus Malawi?
• A: Actually we’ve received a severe blow, but we have to learn from our mistakes because as professionals we have to think about what’s coming next and we shouldn’t be affected especially at the physical side. The next match is scheduled at 5 pm as opposed to the previous one where my teammates found tremendous difficulties to impose their way of playing versus an adversary acquainted to play under scorching heat and huge humidity level.
• Q: Did you discuss the causes behind the dismal performance that dismayed the Algerian people?
• A: the causes are crystal clear and I cannot give further details; we have thoroughly talked about the last pitiful match as we used to do, but not for blaming each other. The aim was to correct our mistakes and show a brighter face in the upcoming matches; we all have noticed the extraordinary Malian U-Turn during the match versus Angola where they succeeded to turn the situation upside down in the last minutes thanks to their huge physical abilities.
• Q: By the way, are you ready to Mali?
• A: Of course we are, and we are aware of the responsibility ahead. I expect a big match ahead from the Algerian side because the match is scheduled under merciful weather conditions (lower temperature and humidity alike). Undoubtedly, my teammates are resilient to defeat the Malian side and so as to come back on the race for the qualification to the second round.
• Q:  Another defeat equals your ousting from the ACN…
• A: That’s right and I prefer not to envisage the end of the road for us at this early stage of the competition because we do not deserve it; we have done an excellent preparation in order to honor Algeria and confirm our good showing during the qualifiers. The Algerian fans don’t deserve to be disappointed because they put high hopes on us and we are aware of that; we are resolved to beat Mali nothing else.