Leekens named Algeria football team coach until 2019

Algiers, Oct 29 (IANS) The Algerian Soccer Federation (FAF) has appointed Belgian Georges Leekens as the national team head coach until the African Nations Cup of 2019.

Leekens on Friday replaced Serbian Milovan Rajevac who was due to mutually terminate his contract after drawing at home against Cameroon in the opening qualifiers of 2018 World Cup, reports Xinhua.

This is the second time Leekens (67) leads the North African team after a short experience of six months in 2003.

On Thursday, FAF posted a statement on its official website to announce the arrival of Leekens who "was chosen out of a short list of five coaches".

Leekens has, for now, two weeks only to prepare a crucial game against Nigeria in the second day of 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

Also, the Belgian coach is tasked with the mission of leading the Desert Foxes to the semi-finals stage of the 2017 African Nations Cup due in Gabon from January 19 to February10).

Fans expect Leekens to clinch the African Nations Cup, regarding the talented players he has at the squad, including Leicester City attacking duo of Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.

The only and last time Algeria won the African Cup was at home in 1990.

--IANS

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