Islam Slimani exclusive sit-down with ahead of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON opener

§  35-year-old made TotalEnergies CAF AFCON debut in 2013

§  A sixth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d'Ivoire 2023 means so much for Algeria’s Islam Slimani, a feat he is thankful for.

§  It is the most difficult cup in the world

Former Sporting CP and Lyon star touts competitiveness of “most difficult Cup” TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations competition

Building on the memories of the previous five, Slimani says he has grown to know the nuances the competition offers – pitches, the play, the weather conditions and how unique it is.

All of that he tells CAFOnline exclusively, has built him up for a campaign they hope to go all the way.

Among other things, he also discusses more game time and depth of the Algerian team.

This is your sixth time at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, how does it feel?

It always good a thing that I am here and can play more for my national team, I can help my team and hope I play more.

All these years that you have played at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, what have you learnt?

For me it's the most difficult cup in the world,;it's so difficult to play Africa clubs. We play against good teams and most times get to meet great players. For me, I have little experience but when I was young, it was very hard.

What makes it so difficult?

For me I think weather, sometimes we play at 2pm, 3pm and it's very difficult.

You made your debut in 2013. What is the difference between playing then and now?

Yes for me it is the condition. I'm more adapted to the condition and my first time was good, it was the best place to start and now we have more experience, and I know how I can manage myself and the team.

You won in 2019, did it take any pressure from you at the time because back home people said you were not playing well?

What's more important is to win. You can play seven or eight times at the AFCON but not win. And, I think we played good and won all the games.

Do you sense that this time around it can happen again for Algeria?

Yes, we are all here for that. I think we have two or three teams who are favorites to win like Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Egypt. They have good teams but our team is here to win every game.

What makes this team (Algeria) special?

I think the coach. He has encouraged good spirit in the team. We have good players like every team but I think we have a coach who knows how to manage a team and what to do for us to win.

How important is Riyad Mahrez to the team?

Very important. We have Riyad and lots of good players; most importantly is the team. We have a good team of players.

Winning the 2019 edition and all the trophies in your career, where does that one ranks?

It's the first one, winning a trophy with your country is the best thing in football.

What do you make of the group?

I think it’s a difficult group. We have Burkina Faso, Angola and they are good teams and Mauritania as well. In Africa, we don't have a small team or good team, everyone can beat everyone.

What have you guys been talking about ahead of the tournament?

When you come and see the atmosphere and the people, you want to start to play and now we are here and want to start to play.

Are we going to see you more or this is your last AFCON?

I hope to play more but if I can play then I hope to. I like playing football for my country and if I can, I want to play the next one. Now, we want to focus on this one and if I can again I will be here.

What have you been telling the young players in the team?

Believe, and believe we can win. We have a good group mixed with experienced and young players and we will do everything for our country.