Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi and the Algerian national team might have a hard time replicating their success from this summer’s World Cup at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Mbolhi and Algeria – who narrowly lost to eventual World Cup champions Germany in the Round of 16 in Brazil this summer – were handed a tough draw on Wednesday for the latest edition of the biennial continental championship, getting placed into the tournament’s “Group of Death” with Ghana, South Africa and Senegal. Mbolhi figures to start for the Desert Foxes at the tournament, which will be held in Equatorial Guinea in January and February.
Things won’t be much easier for New York Red Bulls defender Ambroise Oyongo and Cameroon, who were drawn into Group D with Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Guinea. Oyongo was a regular call-up to the Cameroon squad this fall, helping the Indomitable Lions qualify for the Cup of Nations after their miserable showing at the World Cup.
The Africa Cup of Nations will begin on January 17, when hosts Equatorial Guinea will take on Congo in Group A action.
