It’s over for Algeria. After being a hit during the group stage of this 2025 African Cup of Nations and eliminating DR Congo in the round of 16, the Fennecs came up against a stronger team in the quarters. Opposed to the Nigeria of Lookman and Osimhen, the Algerians were dominated head and shoulders, logically losing 2-0.
It is therefore on this disillusionment that Riyad Mahrez will turn an important page in his international career. Before this meeting against the Super Eagles, the captain of the Greens had announced that this CAN in Morocco would be his last. And he confirmed it in the mixed zone after the meeting.
“I confirm, it’s my last CAN, it’s over,
said the former Citizen. It’s sad that it ended in a quarter-final. I would have liked to go further and try to win a second one. The African Cup is not easy to win. Our generation has already won one and it was incredible, but for many of this new generation, it’s their first CAN, and they are forced to go through these moments. »
Mahrez: “The next generation will do better than us in the African Cup”
“ The bar was high tonight (Saturday)he continued. We go out with our heads held high. We are sad for our supporters and our families. We are proud to be Algerians. I hope that the new generation will be able to do better during the next edition in Kenya. I know they can afford it.
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The 34-year-old winger concluded his speech by sending a strong message to the new generation. “ Inch’Allah, the next generation will do better than us in the African Cup. This is all we want for Algeria “, he said. Riyad Mahrez (111 caps, 37 goals) now has the 2026 World Cup in his sights, before retiring from international duty?
