Algeria coach insists they can still qualify for 2018 World Cup

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Algeria coach insists they can still qualify for 2018 World Cup

Head coach of the Algerian national team, Georges Leekens, has insisted they can still qualify for the 2018 World Cup, despite losing 3-1 to Nigeria on Saturday

The defeat means the Fennecs are now five points behind the Super Eagles in Group B of the African qualifying zone, after only two matches.

“We’ve not given up on qualification,” Leekens said.

“I never give up, it’s in my nature not to give up.

“We still have a mathematical chance of qualifying so it’s not over.

“It’s a tough group and anything can still happen. Are you sure you (Nigeria) will qualify because you’re on top at the moment? Nigeria can still lose and the group will be open again.

“We played well against Nigeria today but we missed good chances to score and we got punished.”

Leekens, who took charge of the Desert Warriors for the first time during his second stint, also seized the moment to pay his respects to former Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, who he coached at Anderlecht.

He added: “I must use this opportunity to mention Stephen Keshi, a great player who I knew in Belgium. It’s sad he’s gone but I’ll always remember him as a special person.”