Algerian football coach: match against Gambia is decisive

Algerian football squad’ coach Rabeh Saadane described Friday’s match vs Gambia as a decisive one and victory is very necessary in view of the team position in Group 6.

• Saadane told journalists the Malian referee was partial in the match Algeria 0 Gambia 1. “He took into account an illegal penalty kick which made Gambia win the match.”
• The coach added that weather conditions had a direct impact on the Algerian players’ performance. “We suffered a lot from humidity and high temperature in Banjul. The players could not breathe in a normal way after 30 minutes since the match begun.”
• “The referee did his best to help the opponents by taking into account an illegal penalty kick for Gambia.”
• “We must win all matches in Algeria”
• Speaking on Friday’s match, Saadane said it is very difficult because the Gambian players are strong but victory is more than necessary.
• “Victory is necessary to improve our position in the general ranking. We also must win in the match against Senegal in September in Algeria. If we reach 12 points, we will not miss the first position.”
• National squad is improving
• Rabeh Saadane said the Algerian players are improving their level but there are still many shortcomings. “We will progressively eliminate them though next matches are difficult.”
• “We are in the right way but we need to achieve positive results in the qualifications. Honestly, the mission is difficult but not impossible,” he added.
• Football reform is necessary
• Coach Rabeh Saadane admitted that the Algerian football level is not so good due to the lack of a clear strategy and a comprehensive football reform.
• He called for an urgent sportive reform which he considered as more important than the qualifications. “The Algerian football suffers from very bad conditions in all aspects.”