Majid Bouguerra Fires Back: Algeria Chases Arab Cup Glory After a Cautious Start

Post-match remarks from Bouguerra

Majid Bouguerra, head coach of Algeria's reserve team, did not engage the critics after a tepid start in the 2025 Arab Cup, drawing 0-0 with Sudan.

Algeria topped Group D after beating Bahrain and Iraq 2-0 in the second and third games.

Speaking at the press conference after the Iraq match on Tuesday, Bouguerra said: "I am happy with the victory; we achieved the objective by beating a strong side with quality players and finishing the group on top."

He added: "We benefited from Iraq's early red card and earned a deserved win, and we thank our supporters who backed us wholeheartedly."

Asked about the criticisms, Bouguerra stressed that his focus remains on continuing the march toward the Arab Cup title, noting that his attention is solely on training and match preparation.

The Algerian side previously won the Arab Cup in 2021 under Bouguerra, who led the youth/ reserve team to the title.

Bouguerra also warned that the quarterfinal against the UAE will be tough, as the Emiratis boast several standout players.

Punchline 1: Critics can boo, but Bouguerra's game plan is simple—win games, not popularity contests.

Punchline 2: If persistence were a football, Algeria would be lifting the Arab Cup soon; the trophy loves a dramatic cameo in extra time.