Algeria (Group C)
Africa’s top-rated team moved up to 18th in the FIFA rankings on the back of a first appearance in the knockout stage of the World Cup. They then kept up their winning ways despite a change of coach in midyear, with Vahid Halilhodzic departing and Frenchman Christian Gourcuff taking over. The team has stayed intact and grown markedly in confidence. It is also bristling with talent, with Yacine Brahimi emerging as a key figure. Algeria would have been a strong favourite were the finals still in Morocco but they do not have a good record in tournaments south of the Sahara.
COACH
Christian Gourcuff had long been earmarked to take over after the World Cup but only officially began on August 1. He has a contract until the end of the next World Cup, which means he will also be in charge for the Nations Cups in 2015 and 2017 – one of which Algeria hope to host. He coached Lorient in Ligue 1 for more than a decade.
KEY PLAYERS
Yacine Brahimi won this year’s BBC African Footballer of the Year award. His midfield link play with Sofiane Feghouli will be a key element, with Mehdi Lacen restored to the defensive midfield role after little playing time during the World Cup. Islam Slimani (above) of Porto leads the attack. Rafik Halliche has taken over as defensive linchpin from Majid Bougherra, who is now more of an inspirational squad member.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-2-2-2):
Rais Mbolhi - Aissa Mandi, Rafik Halliche, Carl Medjani, Faouzi Ghoulam - Mehdi Lacen, Nabil Bentaleb - Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli - Islam Slimani, El Arbi Soudani.
COACH
Christian Gourcuff had long been earmarked to take over after the World Cup but only officially began on August 1. He has a contract until the end of the next World Cup, which means he will also be in charge for the Nations Cups in 2015 and 2017 – one of which Algeria hope to host. He coached Lorient in Ligue 1 for more than a decade.
KEY PLAYERS
Yacine Brahimi won this year’s BBC African Footballer of the Year award. His midfield link play with Sofiane Feghouli will be a key element, with Mehdi Lacen restored to the defensive midfield role after little playing time during the World Cup. Islam Slimani (above) of Porto leads the attack. Rafik Halliche has taken over as defensive linchpin from Majid Bougherra, who is now more of an inspirational squad member.
LIKELY STARTING XI (4-2-2-2):
Rais Mbolhi - Aissa Mandi, Rafik Halliche, Carl Medjani, Faouzi Ghoulam - Mehdi Lacen, Nabil Bentaleb - Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli - Islam Slimani, El Arbi Soudani.
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