Algeria’s Saifi wary of Amavubi

Algeria’s striker Rafik Saifi has expressed his worries ahead of his nation’s meeting with Rwanda in the final round of the 2010 World/Africa Cup qualifier due on March 28. According to dzfoot.com, Saifi said that he is not taking Algeria’s upcoming qualifier in Kigali for granted. The Lorient striker also dismissed Branko Tucak’s recent declaration that Rwanda’s most difficult game will be the one against Algeria and not continental champions Egypt.It’s flattering but we shouldn’t be full of ourselves,” he explained. “It doesn’t mean anything. Coaches like to play mind games before matches. It’s good but it won’t change anything in terms of [our] concentration. “We must remain vigilant. The first match is very important because if we start well it will have a positive influence on the rest of our campaign and will be good for team morale.” With Olympique de Marseille playmaker Karim Ziani suspended for the match-up, the Desert Foxes will likely look to Saifi to provide leadership on and off the field. The player has 48 caps and 16 goals for the Greens and will aim to improve on that strike-rate in his quest to help the country qualify for the World Cup after a 24 year absence. Saifi also expressed his satisfaction with coach Rabah Saadane’s leadership and endorsed his search for new talent. “As far as new players are concerned, like I’ve always said, if there is a player who can add something then he is more than welcome - the doors are open to everybody,” stated the French-based forward. “The coach is the one who selects the team; we are here as players and when he calls on us we must be present. The rest is up to him.” Meanwhile, Tucak and his team have enhanced their preparations for the Algeria tie despite the shock resignation of the team’s assistant coach Raoul Shungu recently. The atmosphere within the camp and amongst the players is good as they go through their daily double training sessions at Ferwafa artificial turf, Remera. Ends

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Algeria’s Saifi wary of Amavubi