DR ‹ › Algeria is betting on Morocco's climate, proximity and familiarity to gain an edge as it sets its sights on a third Africa Cup of Nations title, Fennecs midfielder Fares Chaibi told Reuters on Thursday. Speaking just days before AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco on December 21, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder said the North African setting could allow Algeria to feel «almost at home». «We're eagerly waiting for this Cup», Chaibi said. «It will undoubtedly be a fantastic tournament. Our Moroccan brothers have excellent infrastructure and know how to organise major events». «We have no doubt about the quality of the stadiums. I think all teams are happy to play in Morocco, and I hope it will be a great tournament», he added. «Morocco has the same climate as Algeria. We won't feel like strangers, we'll almost be at home. We have everything we need to deliver a big tournament, and we're going there to make it happen». Algeria's two AFCON titles were both won in North Africa, as hosts in 1990 and in Egypt in 2019, a coincidence Chaibi hopes will continue. The 23-year-old, however, expressed regret that the tournament is being played in winter. «It was supposed to be in summer… But as professional players, we'll always answer the call of the homeland, no matter the timing», he said. «In my view, summer is better. It doesn't disrupt the season. Now we break the season in half and miss club games, which isn't ideal. But we'll adapt». Algeria are drawn in Group E alongside Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan. Their opening match is scheduled for Wednesday, December 24, against Mali at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, where the Algerian team will also be based. For the first time in AFCON history, each national team will remain in a single base camp throughout the tournament, combining a five-star hotel with a nearby training facility.
