A European coach has insisted that African football has become more competitive than what he has become accustomed to on his own continent.
Vladimir Petkovic took charge of the Algeria national team in February this year, a role that represents his first managerial stint in Africa after managing the likes of Lazio and BSC Young Boys, among others.
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His appointment came after the Greens parted ways with Djamal Belmadi following a disastrous 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign that saw the country crash out at the group stage.
The Swiss tactician will now be looking to ensure that his side qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, while also keeping an eye on booking a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Petkovic has already tasted international football on the continent, though, having competed in friendlies against Bolivia and South Africa in March, before losing to Guinea and beating Uganda by two goals to one in World Cup qualifiers in June.
Ahead of the Greens' AFCON 2026 qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia in this international break, the manager was full of praise for the level of football Africa is currently showing.
"African football is undoubtedly different from European football," he said, per CAFonline.
"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."
The coach went on to speak about his team's upcoming encounters, and seems to be wary of the threats carried by both opponents.
"The first match against Equatorial Guinea is very important for us," Petkovic added.
"They proved their worth in the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they showed they are a team of real quality, with six or seven 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."
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