Algeria Hopes For Early Preparations

Algeria’s coach, Rabah Saadane is hoping for early preparations for his team ahead of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010.
The Desert Foxes have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Angola, Mali and Malawi for the 27th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event and Saadane, believes early preparations will largely point to a positive outing at the January 10 – January 31, 2010 championship.
”Now that the draw has been made and we know our opponents in the competition, we can outline a programme for the competition. In this regard, I would say that our preparations will begin as early as possible,” the veteran trainer said on television channel, Al Jazeera Sport.
The 63-year old trainer, having his fifth stint with the national team cited the inadequate time frame from now till the championship as the raison d’etre for his choice of early preparations.
But with a greater percentage of the Desert Foxes players playing outside Algeria, it is very unlikely that Saadane may have the core of his team for the early preparations he is envisaging for.
However, the former Setif Entente and Raja Casablanca trainer remains optimistic about the chances of his side, which are making a return to the biennial championship after missing out on the 2006 and 2008 editions in Egypt and Ghana respectively.
“I am satisfied with the draw. It’s a good group compared to Cote d’Ivoire’s or Cameroon’s, which are both very difficult. I think we have a very good chance to advance to the quarter-finals.
“But we can’t afford to underestimate our opponents. We have great respect for the other teams in our group and will treat all games equally.”
Algeria are one of Africa’s representatives for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, and Saadane is convinced that the continental event will serve a major form of preparation for his team ahead of the Mundial.