Algeira coach Petković: 'We're among favourites, but AFCON 2025 won't be easy'

CAF

29-01-2025

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has downplayed expectations of winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 title, insisting there are other capable title contenders.
The Bosnian trainer says despite keen on fighting for the title in December, his first goal remains leading the Desert Foxes to the 2026 World Cup in October before focusing on Africa's flagship competition in Morocco.
Speaking after Monday's TotalEnergies CAF AFCON draw in Rabat, the tactician acknowledged the challenges awaiting his side in Group E, where they will face Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
'The draw placed us in a group that is not easy at all,' Petković said.
'There are no small teams at AFCON anymore. Every side that qualified deserves to be here.'
Despite Algeria's recent AFCON struggles, including group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023, Petković believes his squad has the quality to progress. However, he emphasized that expectations must be managed.
'It is clear that we are the favourites in the group, and we must bear this responsibility,' he said.
'Our first goal will be to qualify for the second round, and then we will see.'
Algeria will play AFCON 2025 campaign against Sudan, a team that surprised many by qualifying.
Equatorial Guinea, a nation that has troubled the Desert Foxes in recent tournaments, will also pose a challenge, while Burkina Faso—2021 semi-finalists—have established themselves as one of Africa's strongest teams.
Petković acknowledged the familiarity with some opponents, particularly Equatorial Guinea, whom Algeria faced during the AFCON qualifiers.
'We have an idea about our competitors, especially Equatorial Guinea, but we must focus on ourselves instead of overanalyzing the other teams,' he added.
While Algeria's fans crave another AFCON triumph, having last lifted the trophy in 2019, Petković has made it clear that his long-term goal is securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
'Right now, the most important thing for us is not the Africa Cup of Nations, but qualifying for the World Cup,' he said. 'If we achieve that, then playing at AFCON will be much easier.'
Algeria failed to reach the 2022 World Cup, falling to Cameroon in dramatic fashion in the qualifiers.
Petković is determined to avoid a repeat and is prioritizing the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will continue just months before AFCON 2025 kicks off in December.
With AFCON 2025 serving as a crucial test, Algeria's performance in Morocco will offer insights into their readiness for World Cup qualification.
Despite back-to-back group-stage exits at the 2021 and 2023 AFCONs, Algeria remains a powerhouse in African football. The Desert Foxes boast a squad rich in European-based talent, and expectations will be high for them to at least reach the knockout stages.
For Petković, success in AFCON 2025 will not only restore Algeria's status on the continental stage but could also serve as a launchpad for their World Cup aspirations.
Algeria's fans will now wait to see how their team balances both objectives as AFCON 2025 kicks off on December 21, 2025.