Fennecs trainer Saadane has declared his side's most recent success to be the "perfect" response after an abject opening to the tournament...
Algeria's Africa Cup of Nations hopes were rekindled on Thursday, when they defeated Mali 1-0, a result that pleased coach Rabah Saadane, who was criticised after the Fennecs were hammered by Malawi in their opening encounter.

Following that 3-0 humiliation, defeat would have ended any hopes the Algerians had of progressing to the knockout stages, and though they must defeat hosts Angola to have a realistic chance of moving on, Saadane seemed in confident mood when speaking to the press after Thursday's success.

"I did not put pressure on my team. I told them to give back and be happy", he said, according to France Football, declaring his side's performance to be "the perfect answer to all the critics".

Rafik Halliche's goal following a Karim Ziani free kick proved to be enough for the North Africans to claim a maximum three points, leaving them one point shy of group leaders Angola. Winning the pool is not yet out of the question, but Algeria's sole aim at present will simply be to secure second spot.