Coach Saädane: “Playing in afternoon heat proved to be a snag for the Fennecs”

National team coach, Rabah Saâdane, has affirmed that the untoward scheduling of the first match between Algeria and Malawi in the afternoon heat in Luanda stadium has had a debilitating effect on the players of the Algerian national football squad.  

• Saâdane said that he had asked beforehand the chairman of the Algerian Football Federation, Mohamed Raouraoua, to press the CAF Confederation to reschedule this crucial match in the evening but Raouraoua’s request was unfortunately turned down by the African football governing body (CAF).
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• The CAF argued that the Algeria – Malawi game should be played in the afternoon because of TV broadcasting reasons.
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• It’s should be noted that the Algeria – Malawi fixture was played in the absence of the public as the stands were surprisingly empty.
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• In a press conference held after the 3-nil setback on Monday versus Malawi, national coach Rabah Saâdane blamed the scorching heat and the high humidity rate prevailing in Luanda for his squad’s  flabbergasting collapse.
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• He however pledged to review his strategy through a thorough revamping of his starting line-up in the hope of making a good showing in the two other remaining fixtures first versus Mali and then host country Angola.
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• Rabah Saâdane also acknowledged that Malawi highly deserved their outright victory over the Fennecs who blatantly missed the mark during this make -or- break confrontation.
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