ALGERIA hopes to use the similarities in climate between Morocco and Algeria to win their third Africa Cup of Nations title, said midfielder Fares Chaibi. Despite his disappointment that the tournament isn't being held in the summer, he believes the closeness between the two countries will help Algerian fans support the team more strongly when the competition starts on December 21st.
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Chaibi, who was born in France and has earned 22 caps for Algeria, also mentioned that the proximity would make it easier for fans to rally behind the team.
He expressed his excitement about the tournament, even though it means he will miss some important games for his club, Eintracht Frankfurt.
" We're eagerly waiting for this Cup," Chaibi told Reuters in a Zoom interview.
" It will undoubtedly be a fantastic tournament.
Our Moroccan brothers have excellent infrastructure and know how to organize events. We have no doubt about the quality of the stadiums. I think all teams are happy to play in Morocco, and I hope it will be a great tournament," he added.
" Morocco has the same climate as Algeria, we won't feel like strangers, we'll almost be at home.
We have everything to deliver a big tournament, and we're going there to make it happen."
Algeria's previous AFCON victories have all taken place in North Africa.
They won as hosts in 1990 and then in Egypt in 2019.
Chaibi believes summer is the best time for the tournament, but he is determined to overcome the disappointment of Algeria's early exit in the group stage during the 2024 edition in Ivory Coast.
" It was supposed to be in summer... As professional players, we'll always be there and answer the call of the homeland, no matter the timing.
But in my view, summer is better," he said.
" It doesn't disrupt the season.
We are focused at the end of the campaign, then get some rest. Now we break the season in half and miss club games, which isn't ideal. But as I said, we'll adapt."