Saâdane: “With return of the injured, we'll be stronger in the quarter-finals”

In a statement to the press in Luanda, national team coach, Rabah Saâdane, said that the Algeria squad had played versus hosts Angola with the resolute aim of securing a win but were finally content with a draw synonymous with a qualification for the quarter-finals of the 27th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.  

• Saâdane said that Monday’s decisive fixture against Angola was very grueling owing to the Angolans’ stiff resistance especially during the first half.
• The national coach indicated that knowing at half-time that Mali was leading in the scoring versus Malawi, he had recommended to his players to hold at bay the Angolans in the second half in order to avoid at all costs taking any lethal goal until referee’s final whistle.
• He also described the pitch of Luanda stadium as “appalling” and not fit for playing fine football.
• Rabah Saâdane further announced that he could count for the upcoming quarter-finals on the return to the national squad of Antar Yahia, Mourad Meghni and Rafik Saïfi whose injuries are about to be healed, he said.
• In the quarter-finals, Algeria will face the African squad who will top the overall standings of group B.
• This crucial fixture is slated for January 24th at 20 hours 30 mn local time (19 hours 30 mn GMT) in Cabinda stadium.