Saadane confident ahead of qualifier

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s crucial 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup match-up against Egypt on June 7 in Algiers.

Thursday, May 21, 2009
Rabah Saadane

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane is brimming with confidence ahead of his team’s crucial 2010 World/Africa Nations Cup match-up against Egypt on June 7 in Algiers.

Despite his squad’s mediocre performance in their first group match against Rwanda, Saadane told Echourouk newspaper that he is certain his team has the ability to defeat continental champions Egypt on home soil.

"In football there must be a winner and a looser, as far as I’m concerned I always play for a win especially when it deals with crucial matches because I possess a strong line up that can beat any other side, even Barcelona,” he claimed.

"I always insist on the psychological preparation of the players and lift up their spirits to clinch victory at last. I’m optimistic as to the upcoming match against the Egyptian side, but I’m also realistic and cannot foresee the future.”

The trainer hopes the match would be played in an atmosphere of fair play and that no off field incidents would overshadow the match itself which is set to be a fiery encounter if previous Arab derbies between the two sides are any indication.

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