As Algeria prepare to kick off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025, qualifying campaign, head coach Vladimir Petković reflects on the challenges ahead, the evolution of African football, and his ambitions with the Desert Foxes.
In an exclusive interview with CAFonline.com, the Bosnian tactician shares insights into his team’s preparations, his thoughts on African football, and the expectations surrounding Algeria’s national team.
Petković, who took over the reins of the Algerian national team earlier this year, will lead the Fennecs in their opening two qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia.
The coach discusses the importance of these matches, his approach to building a cohesive squad, and the significance of the AFCON competition.
Q: The start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Morocco, TotalEnergies, is approaching. How are your preparations for this stage?
Petković: The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are crucial for us, and we are facing formidable opponents. We are currently focused on preparing for the first two matches, which come at a challenging time in September. The players are not fully in their stride yet, so we are working hard to get them ready. Our goal is to secure victories in these two games.
Q: You will face Equatorial Guinea and Liberia in the first two matches. How do you see your opponents?
Petković: The first match against Equatorial Guinea is very important for us. They proved their worth in the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they showed they are a team of real quality, with 6 or 7 players plying their trade in European clubs. While we are favourites on paper, we must earn our win on the pitch.
As for Liberia, it will be a completely different challenge. The match will be played on an artificial pitch, which adds an extra layer of difficulty. We will have just three days to prepare after our first game, so it will require a different approach.
Q: You have already experienced African football with the Algerian national team during your first two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last June. What can you say about African football?
Petković: African football is undoubtedly different from European football. It’s more competitive, and right now, it’s witnessing significant development. We saw this in the last TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, which was of a very high standard.
Q: What are your thoughts on the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations competition?
Petković: The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations is a fantastic competition. The last edition was full of surprises, especially with Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph after they nearly missed out in the group stage. Success in this competition requires a lot of hard work and sacrifices, and sometimes it’s about creating opportunities when it matters most.
Q: What are your ambitions with the Algerian national team at the present time?
Petković: My first goal is to build a positive and unified group that is eager to represent the national team. From there, we will focus on the tactical side, making the necessary sacrifices to make all Algerians proud.
Q: Do you have a message for the Algerian fans who have high expectations for their national team?
Petković: The Algerian fans have high expectations, and so do I. We will do everything in our power to prepare well and give opportunities to various players. Alongside the Algerian Football Federation, we aim to play in different regions and stadiums across the country, allowing fans to connect with their team. It’s crucial for us to engage with the fans and make them proud during every match we play.