Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has disclosed that the ongoing AFCON in Morocco will be his last continental tournament, www.aclsports.com reports.
The 34-year-old, who made his debut for the Desert Foxes more than a decade ago, has decided to give way for the young generation coming up after an illustrious career with the North African giants.
“I think this will be my last AFCON. I am just focused on the game tomorrow. It is important for us to do something for ourselves, families, and the country,” Mahrez told journalists during a pre-match press conference on Friday.
Ahead of the quarterfinal game between Algeria and Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday, the former Manchester City star also noted that the two teams have been good in this tournament, and hopes his side can go through at the expense of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“We know Nigeria very well. It will not be an easy match,” Mahrez said. “I think there is pressure to win the game. Both teams want to go through, but it will be the best that goes through. I hope it will be us,” He added.
The showdown in Marrakech on Saturday stirs painful memories of their last AFCON meeting in 2019 — when Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick ripped through Nigerian hearts and fired Algeria into a final they would go on to win.
