Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi has expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance in their 1-0 victory over Guinea while promising to field a stronger starting XI against the Super Eagles.
The Fennecs, with a largely second string starting line-up, needed substitute Islam Slimani’s 78th minute goal to beat the Guineans in Oran last night.
Djamel, who led Algeria to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Egypt, admitted that the Guinea match was to give fringe players a chance, while Tuesday night’s friendly, also in Oran, will have more regular players.
“There were a lot of new ones with few selections like Tougai, Bentaleb, Delort, Zeghba,” the former international told his post-match press conference after the game against Guinea.
“These are players who do not have many selections. That was the main goal today.
“We take a lot of positives from the game. Nigeria is another game. We will try to get the whole band to play.”
The 46-year-old former Marseille, Manchester City and Southampton midfielder also praised Guinea for giving Algeria a tough time.
“Guinea, in direct confrontations, they beat us more. It is a team that has always had great players. Very athletic, not afraid to play,” Belmadi said.
“We are always looking for victory. Competition is important. Even if it was not the priority today, we wanted to see players who did not have many opportunities. I am satisfied with them.”
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro is also expected to put out a stronger side on Tuesday night after an experimental team played a 2-2 draw with Algeria’s home-based national team in Constantine last night.
