The Stallions, after a victory snatched in the last minutes of the match against Mauritania during their first outing at the 2023 African Football Cup of Nations which is being played in Ivory Coast, are preparing to face Algeria on Saturday January 20, 2024 at the Bouake Stadium. Under the watchful eye of the national coach, Hubert Velud, they trained on Wednesday January 17.
The match against Mauritania, its victory and all its emotions, are now in the past for Hubert Velud and his men who intend to progress match after match at this CAN 2023.
The team now has its sights set on the second group match which will pit it against the Algerian ogre, on Saturday January 20, 2024, in front of nearly 40,000 people who already have their tickets in hand.
On the afternoon of January 17, 2023, they began rehearsing the scales.
“We are preparing calmly. We know that Algeria is a very good team and to win, you have to redouble your efforts. The match will determine first and second place. We will have to rest well, recover well to be ready against Algeria,” Blati Toure suggested. For the Burkinabè midfielder, it is always a pleasure to play in Ivory Coast where he was born.
*“We see this match like the other matches”*
For this meeting, aware that Algeria is a great team, coach Velud’s men intend to play with all the seriousness that this requires. “We see this match like all the other matches. Currently, there is no small team or small stakes. The main thing is to recover from the match against Mauritania to remove prejudices,” said Abdoul Aziz Ki, Burkinabe midfielder.
Against Algeria, the coach will be able to count on all the players. According to Dr Alain Traoré, national team doctor, everyone is fit for this crucial meeting. “I can say that we have no sick or injured people. But there were some problems during the match against Mauritania. Guira, for example, had knee problems after a bad landing. We are in full care,” he noted.
Dango Ouattara will return to the squad and Adama Guira, who felt discomfort during the match against Mauritania, will also be able to face Algeria. “Dango is doing very well. All the tests are conclusive, but we are going to go from strength to strength with it. I think it will be available. Guira will also be able to play,” reassured Dr Traoré.
As a reminder, Algeria drew (1-1) against Angola in its first group match. It occupies third place in group E after Burkina (3 points +1) and Angola (1 point +0).
Issa Sawadogo, special envoy to Bouaké
