So close to the goal… Having reached the CHAN 2022 final at home, Algeria saw his dream shattered on Saturday against Senegal after a rebounding penalty shootout (0-0, 4-5 on pens). This outcome is inevitably enough to leave regrets to the Fennecs, who finish the tournament undefeated and without the slightest goal conceded but without the cup at the end. Saturday, even if they had a hard time getting rid of the opposing block, the men of Madjid Bougherra had created the best situations. Above all, Aymen Mahious had the shot on goal of the title at the end of the foot, but his miss caused the fall of his team. The Algerian coach tried to explain this terrible disappointment.
“Do not blame Aymen Mahious“, first pleaded the technician. “I told my players to raise their heads and be proud of the work accomplished during a year and a half. (…) We thank the people for supporting us throughout this competition. (…) I am disappointed for the Algerian people as well as my players. We have a competition with zero goals conceded, zero defeats in the game, and with the best attack in the competition. It’s the mektoub (destiny, editor’s note), you have to accept it. (…) There was a lot of haste and waste in the first half. Better in the second half. It was played with a penalty!»
🎙️ Bougherra: “Even with beautiful stadiums, Algerian football will not evolve until there are training centers. I hope this CHAN will raise awareness >> pic.twitter.com/e3pT1Fu7eK
— MEHENNI Sofiane (@SofianePress) February 5, 2023
“I hope this CHAN will raise awareness»
Not very loquacious about the ingredients that were missing in the game to pack this final, the former captain of the Fennecs still wanted to send a message to the Algerian authorities: progress will go through improved training. “We are selectors, not trainers. That sums up these two years at the head of the selection. Our country needs training centers. The clubs must follow the example of Paradou. Even with beautiful stadiums, Algerian football will not evolve until there are training centers. I hope this CHAN will raise awareness“Insisted the 40-year-old man, unclear about his future, even if the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Djahid Zefizef, would obviously like to see him continue the adventure.
