#AFCONonCiti: We wanted to prove ourselves – Algeria’s Mehdi Abeid

Algeria and Dijon midfielder has praised the players who came into the starting XI in their 3-0 win over Tanzania.

Abeid was one of a number of players who had not started the first two games but were given the chance to show their talents against Tanzania. 

With qualification secured after wins against Senegal and Kenya the Desert Foxes elected to rest key players most notable Betis defender Aissa Mandi, Galatasaray winger Sofiane Feghouli, and Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez. 

The second unit however did not disappoint with Leicester-owned striker Islam Slimani and Napoli winger Adam Ounas standing out as they combined for all 3 goals.

Slimani excelled as a target man laying on two goals for Ounas whilst bagging the opener himself. 

Abeid indicated the earlier exclusions may have inspired the side to play at a high level as he told the media after the game “a lot of us didn’t play the first two games so we wanted to show we can do the job and we won 3-0”

The rest and quality off the bench could prove decisive for Algeria as they have been drawn against one of the best 3rd placed teams in the next round and will play on July 7 at 7pm GMT.

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