Algeria are back on the continental stage after missing out on the previous two CAN competitions, following several years of underachieving. In the most hard-fought and protracted qualifying campaign, the Desert Foxes managed to outshine African masters Egypt and eventually secure their third-ever World Cup berth. Rabah Saadane's men showed a great deal of resilience to reach South Africa at the expense of their North African rivals throughout a tense rally that has just ended in November 2009. Subsequently, the man who led his nation to the World Cup twice, has not set high ambitions for the Angola finals in January. "This competition comes at the wrong time for the team," said Saadane ahead of the Nations Cup. "We went through the playoffs tired, something that makes me say that the (fans) should not expect miracles in this tournament. "But we will try and tackle games one by one with the goal of going the furthest possible." 80s Generation
Algeria legend Madjer Since their Nations Cup triumph in 1990, the Fennecs have been truly disappointing throughout the past two decades on all fronts. However, the surprise qualification for the World Cup could be a stepping stone for this generation to replicate the heroics of the legendary 80s phase. Spearheaded by the great Rabah Madjer, Algeria reached the World Cup twice and clinched their only Nations Cup title in the space of eight years. While refusing to make any comparisons with Karim Ziani and Co, Madjer seems to have faith in Saadane's men. "Personally, I refuse to compare generations," said the ex-Porto ace. "All I can say is that the current selection is very strong and gave us joy and happiness. "The same is true for previous generations. All I want is continuity in this way and that our presence in the World Cup is regular, not every 24 years." Algeria will kickoff their CAN campaign against Group A outsiders Malawi, before clashing with Mali and then hosts Angola.
