Algeria can’t afford to fail again – Mahrez

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has said their recent back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations group stage exits still weigh heavily, as the Desert Foxes attempt to repair their reputation at the 2025 edition in Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 2019 champions arrive at the 2025 tournament in Morocco, haunted by the memory of successive first round exits in 2022 and 2024.

They failed to win a single match at either AFCON, and defeats to Equatorial Guinea and then Mauritania — the latter having never previously won a match at the tournament — prompted deep introspection and the dismissal of their title-winning coach Djamel Belmadi.

Algeria will play in Group E of this year’s tournament, where they face Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea.

“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 pushed back against suggestions that Algeria are among the front-runners.

“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.”

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic has also said the team must accept responsibility and rebuild with courage and unity.

Petkovic, appointed after seven years with Switzerland, has since steadied the team, guiding them to 15 wins in 20 matches and securing qualification for both AFCON 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.

However, the former Lazio coach insists he will not be drawn into bold declarations.

“Our first goal will be to qualify for the second round, then we shall see,” he told Algerian media, while acknowledging the expectations that follow his side.

“We are favourites in our group, and we must accept that responsibility.”

Despite their recent record, Algeria have again been placed among the tournament’s potential champions. Petkovic, however, rejects talk of a third continental title.

“I never promise anything,” he said firmly — a reminder that Algeria’s revival is still a work in progress.

Petkovic says Algeria’s next step depends not only on tactics or talent, but on togetherness.

“What I can assure Algerians is that the team will wear the national team jersey with pride and be courageous,” he said.

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