Algerian coach Vladimir Berkovich confirmed that the national team's ambition is not limited to securing a ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals, but extends to achieving a strong participation in the upcoming Africa Cup in Morocco, pointing out that the final match against Uganda, scheduled for Tuesday, will be an important milestone in this preparatory journey.

Berkovich said in his statements following the victory over Somalia (3-0): "We want to win against Uganda because we are also thinking about the future. Our goal is to show a strong face in the Africa Cup. We will evaluate the performance of each player in order to achieve this goal."

The Swiss coach made sure to praise the performance of captain Riyad Mahrez, who delivered an outstanding level and responded to recent criticisms, explaining: "Mahrez did not need my support; he proved his presence on the field and was in the right place at the right time. He is a player accustomed to pressure, and his response on the field is the best answer."

Berkovich also appreciated the congratulations from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, affirming that "this gesture represents a great incentive for all members of the team and constitutes an acknowledgment of the efforts made for this historic qualification."

The coach indicated that he preferred to rest some players at risk of suspension in anticipation of upcoming challenges, adding: "I wanted to ensure everyone's readiness for the upcoming dates, so I gave rest to those carrying yellow cards. The match against Uganda remains important despite securing qualification, as it is an opportunity to improve performance and confirm the team's collective character."

Speaking about the new arrival Belghali, Berkovich said: "I have been following him for weeks. He left a good impression on me from the start of the training camp and delivered a strong match that put positive pressure on his competitors in the same position."

The Swiss coach added: "My message to the players is clear; we must maintain the same fighting spirit and focus in all matches. Qualification is not the end of the road but the beginning of a new phase of work."

Berkovich concluded his remarks with an emotional expression of pride in the achievement, saying: "This is the most beautiful qualification of my career. When I came to Algeria, the circumstances were difficult, but we managed to regain balance and work calmly. I thank everyone who contributed to this success, even those who did not have the opportunity to be present at this stage."

Berkovich's statements came to confirm that the "Greens" are not satisfied with reaching the World Cup but are planning to usher in a new era of ambition, discipline, and collective spirit in preparation for the upcoming continental and global challenges.