Feghouli reflects on failure

Ferghouli says Algeria must bounce back Algiers – Khaled Alloush Algerian midfielder Sofiane Ferghouli has blamed lack of experience and bad refereeing for the country's disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign. The Greens failed to qualify for the group stages, finishing bottom of Group D with just one point from their three games. Speaking to French media, the Valencia winger noted that 20 players out of Algeria's 23-man squad squad were playing in their first major African tournament. "I think the African Cup will be an important step in their development," he said. Feghouli predicted an upturn in fortunes for Vahid Halilhodži?'s men in the future. "The draw landed us in a tough group [Tunisia, Togo, Ivory Coast] and we let the Algerian public down. We definitely intend to correct our path and return to winning ways in the World Cup qualifiers." Discussing the media pressure on the players during the tournament, Feghouli said it was "logical" for a football-loving country. "My teammates and I tried very hard to make the Algerian public happy, but the lack of experience and, at times, refereeing, were decisive." Algeria face Benin in their next match on March 22.