After Algeria’s 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the first leg of their friendly, team coach Farid Benstiti stated that his priority isn’t the match outcome but his team’s growth and improvement.

“You’re right, that’s the target.”

”You can balance to be strong but continue to play because if you don’t do that, then that means that you don’t trust your players. I trust my players because they are able to do it.”

Benstiti revealed he is managing several player injuries but this as an opportunity for younger talents to gain experience.

“Of course, we have many injuries, maybe six players, five players, very very strong.”

“They will be later and that’s an opportunity for the younger and the other players to show how they are able to do and still the target focus about the can. All we do now will be better for the can. But if we don’t work very well now, we will not be good.”

“That’s why we must be calm, humility, continue to work, be strong for all the games and to be very serious tactically. That’s very important for me.”