Algeria are bound to be depleted for their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with Nigeria, as two of their players, OGC Nice of France defender, Sofiane Feghouli and Galatasaray of Turkey’s Youcef Atal have been cast in doubt by various injuries copped against Cote d’Ivoire.
The Algerians match against Cote d’Ivoire lived up to its billing as a tie akin to a cup final, with proceedings extending into penalties, such that the stress appears to have affected Feghouli and Atal, who may consequently not be there to confront Nigeria in Sunday’s semi-final slated for Cairo, Egypt.
Feghouli and Atal were both substituted in Thursday’s quarter-final against The Elephants, after which the Nice full-back was virtually ruled out of his team’s remaining games at Egypt 2019, while the Galatasaray forward will get a late fitness test to determine if he would be able to play again.
However, Feghouli has ruled out any dire effects his absence could have on Les Fennecs, as the Nice star insists Algeria have other good players who are capable of stepping in for him in Sunday’s semi-final showpiece game.
He told Le Buteur: “I do not know exactly the seriousness of my injury. But I will see with the national team doctor.
“Even though I will not be fit to play Nigeria, Algeria will have another warrior to play in this match.”
