Algeria’s national team coach, Vladimir Petkovic has outlined a preparation strategy that will involve aggressive, mental and technical ideas in order to defeat Nigeria in Saturday’s quarter-finals fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports247 reports that Petkovic sounded cagey and coy while speaking minutes after his side needed a late goal in second half of extra time to send DR Congo packing 1-0 in Tuesday’s round of 16 fixture.
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Adil Boulbina got off the bench to hit home a late winner, after he cut inside from the left and curled a long-range ball beyond DRC’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, whose heroics kept The Leopards in the game all along.
The result set up a rematch of the 2019 semi-final versus Nigeria, who the Algerians beat with an equally late direct free kick from their captain, Riyard Mahrez, and Petkovic admitted Saturday’s clash will be explosive.
He, however, also expressed delight with the fact that his side will keep on meeting tough teams in the remaining stages of the ongoing competition, which he believes will bring out the best in his players at each point in time.
“I’m happy with these kinds of matches because they require us to work hard and play aggressively against title contenders.
“We will start thinking about the Nigeria match now, focusing on our strengths. Our focus is on preparing well mentally and physically,” Petkovic stated.
Boulbina added: “Thank God. Congratulations to Algeria and to the fans. I came onto the pitch late and scored, but it is a collective effort and not about me. It is a great feeling for the team.”
