Algeria star Mahrez reveals recipe for Cup of Nations success

"Whichever country is the best prepared and enjoys a little bit of luck will go all the way," the winger told reporters. "Experience is also a major factor. I and many teammates in the Algerian squad know all about the Cup of Nations.

"Making a good start is often crucial. We beat Kenya in our opening match in 2019 and won the tournament. We drew with Sierra Leone three years later and flopped." France-born Mahrez, who left the Premier League for the lucrative Saudi Pro League this year, was a key figure when Algeria won the 2019 Cup in Egypt.

He was also part of the squad that fared dismally when defending the title in Cameroon two years ago as defeats by Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast led to elimination after the first round. Algeria, with a mix of 2019 survivors and new blood, are favourites to win Group D.