TheCable

Algeria’s newly appointed coach Lucas Alcaraz says his team’s chances of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be possible by defeating Zambia before facing Nigeria in the last group game.

He said the Algerian side will face Nigeria’s Suer Eagles with high morale if Zambia can be beaten.

Algeria is presently bottom of Group B after a 1-1 draw with Cameroon and a 3-1 loss to Nigeria.

Alcaraz, however, feels very confident that Les Fennecs can still qualify for the tournament.

“If we can get through to the last match (against Nigeria) with morale high and full of hope after a couple of wins, I think we’ll be able to go into it with confidence high,” Alcaraz told FIFA.com.

“If we can win our next home games, we’ll be in a good position to welcome Nigeria on the final day.”

“Obviously, we’re not the favourites, but we have to do everything in our power to get as many points and wins as we can.

“We have to fight hard in every game to make sure there are no regrets at the end of it all.

“We’re going to prepare in depth for the two matches against Zambia. The FIFA calendar dictates that our future’s going to hinge on those two games, played in the space of just five days.

“The players and the staff know what they have to do, what’s expected of them and the importance of these two matches.

“I need a lot of players for those two games and I’m absolutely convinced that if we beat Zambia, then we’ll qualify.”