Libya are determined to start their campaign on a high note when they take on hosts Algeria in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 opener on Friday.
The former CHAN winners will take on the Desert Foxes in the opening match of the tournament at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
The Mediterranean Knights understand what is at stake when they face the home side in Group A in front of their fans, and they are ready for the challenge.
“We know the Algerian national team and we will show our potential during the (North African) derby,” admitted the Libyan head coach Corentin Martins.
“We have the honour to play the first match against Algeria, the host country, and to be present during the opening ceremony.”
The French tactician, however, added that from a technical point of view his side is unlucky because it will face the host in the group stages.
“We have no luck with the draw that put us in the same group with the hosts Algeria. It is a difficult derby match that awaits us and therefore we will do everything we can to achieve a positive result. We will show our full potential as well especially since we worked to achieve the best possible result.”
We have restored the spirit and determination within the team, and we are seeking to honour Libyan football.
The Libyan coach expressed his satisfaction with the preparations of his country before the tournament.
He said, “Our preparations went well. We played two friendly matches and lost both of them, but the friendly and official matches are different. We will play against Algeria in front of 40,000 spectators.”
“Personally, I had the opportunity to witness similar matches. Unlike the players, we must seize the opportunity so that the result is in line with our objectives. I tried to name the best players and most prominent of them in terms of readiness for this tournament.”
The former French international said that CHAN is a valuable opportunity for local players to become professional abroad, “CHAN is a good opportunity for players to stand out, especially since it will be watched by many fans, which gives them the opportunity to stand out and become professional in better tournaments.”
Libyan captain Ali Ramadhan Ali further added that, “We have restored the spirit and determination within the team, and we are seeking to honour Libyan football.”
Ali, confirmed his endeavour, accompanied by his colleagues, to honour Libyan football, “Previously, we were going through a difficult stage. God willing, we will play a good tournament. This time we are determined to play a positive tournament, and to do well in the tournament.”
“CHAN is an excellent tournament that we won in 2014. We wish success to Algeria, the organizing country, for the success of this edition, and the opening match is always difficult, but we will give everything we have to honour Libyan football.”
Source: Confederation of African Football