Desert Foxes Captain Admits Past Exits Still Haunt Squad Ahead of Morocco 2025.

Riyad Mahrez

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has admitted that the country’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations group-stage exits continue to weigh heavily on the team, as the Desert Foxes look to restore pride at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

The 2019 champions head into the tournament haunted by disastrous campaigns in 2022 and 2024, where they failed to win a single match. Shock defeats to Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania, the latter recording their first-ever AFCON win, led to deep soul-searching and the eventual dismissal of long-serving coach Djamel Belmadi.

Now preparing for Group E clashes against Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, Mahrez made it clear that Algeria cannot repeat past mistakes.

“We have to be realistic given what happened to us in the last two AFCON tournaments. We dare not fail again,” the 34-year-old Al Ahli winger told CAF Online.

Mahrez also dismissed growing claims that Algeria should be counted among the tournament favourites.

“Some observers are including us among the title favourites, but that means nothing. Morocco have to be the favourites as they will be playing on home soil, backed by huge, partisan crowds.”

Petkovic Preaches Caution and Unity

Vladimir Petkovic

New head coach Vladimir Petkovic, appointed after seven years with Switzerland, has steadied the ship, guiding Algeria to 15 wins in 20 matches and securing qualification for both AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.

However, the former Lazio boss has refused to make bold promises.

“Our first goal will be to qualify for the second round, then we shall see,” Petkovic said, while acknowledging the pressure that comes with expectation.

Despite Algeria being labelled favourites in their group, Petkovic insists the team’s revival remains a work in progress.

“I never promise anything,” he said firmly.

For Petkovic, success in Morocco will depend on more than tactics.

“Unity is crucial. We must have the support of the entire nation. If we are divided, achieving success will be difficult.”

As Algeria chase a third continental title, the message from both captain and coach is clear: failure is no longer an option.