With four wins from their first four matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Fennecs have reached a milestone theyve only ever touched twice before. History, intriguingly, has been kind to them on both occasions.
The first came in 1990. Playing on home soil, Algeria swept aside everything in their path, riding the wave of a nations belief. Along the way stood Nigeria formidable, fearless, and favoured by many. Algeria overcame them, then went on to lift their first AFCON crown, sealing a moment that still lives vividly in the countrys football folklore.
The moment that brought everyone together.
Nearly three decades later, the script resurfaced .
In 2019, far from home, Algeria arrived in Egypt with a squad heavy on talent and hunger but light on external expectations. Once again, they stormed through their opening fixtures. Once again, Nigeria crossed their path. And once again, the Fennecs prevailed Riyad Mahrezs iconic late free kick etching itself into AFCON history before Algeria completed a flawless tournament and claimed their second continental title.
Now, in this edition, the pattern is impossible to ignore.
Four matches. Four victories. Control, confidence, and a sense of inevitability growing with every performance. The numbers whisper destiny, but its the manner of Algerias play that speaks louder: compact in defense, ruthless in transition, and driven by a squad that seems acutely aware of the weight and opportunity of history.
Nigeria have already been dispatched once more, an old rival appearing yet again at a familiar crossroads. For Algerian supporters, it feels less like coincidence and more like a signpost pointing forward.
Of course, tournaments are not won by statistics or symbolism alone. Football has a way of humbling even the most compelling narratives. Yet AFCON has always been a competition where momentum matters, where belief can harden into inevitability.
Algeria have been here before. Twice, this exact road led to gold.
As the tournament deepens and the pressure rises, one question lingers in the air:
Are the Fennecs simply winning games or are they reliving a destiny they know all too well?
