We can reach AFCON 2019 in Cameroon - Saphir Taider

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Dec 07, 2017. 17:30

The recent appointment of coach Rabah Madjer as Algeria coach has received the backing of midfielder Saphir Taider.

Taider said the fact that Madjer is an Algerian will help the Desert Warriors, because the former African Player of the Year loves the national team.

"I think that after a break of several years he is the best solution. He is Algerian, he knows the country very well and won't feel out of place, he loves the country," Taider said to the BBC.

"There are many things that give him an advantage and that will certainly help us too.

BARCELONA TO MOVE FOR KALIDOU KOULIBALY NEXT YEAR?

"So, after a long time away from the game, I think that becoming Algeria coach was the best choice for him and for us."

Coming to the 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers en route to Cameroon, the Bologna midfielder added they can do it.

Algeria began their bid to reach the finals with a 1-0 win over Togo in June and will also play Benin and the Gambia in the Qualifiers.

"We have the possibility and quality to do it, but you have to understand that in Africa football is very very different," he added.

"We Algerians for example have a more European-styled of football, with ball possession, technical players and when we play elsewhere in Africa often we face very physical players on bad football pitches.

"That's not an excuse it's just the kind of football is very different to the one we are used to playing during the season.

"So, sometimes you can't play to your strengths and that causes us difficulties."