Algeria's Solimani fears 'resilient' Ethiopia in Nations Cup qualifiers

Sporting Lisbon's Algerian striker Islam Solimani voiced confidence regarding Algeria's chances in the Nations Cup qualifiers, despite fearing the Ethiopia challenge.

Algeria were paired in group J with Ethiopia, Lesotho and Seychelles.

"It is an easy group," Solimani told Algerian magazine El-Heddaf on Thursday.

"I think we have a good chance in this group… But we have to respect our opponents and not underestimate them," he continued.   

Having previous experiences with Ethiopia, the 26-year-old expected tough clashes with the east African country.

The Desert Warriors faced Ethiopia twice in 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers and won the two games.

"We have a good knowledge about Ethiopia…they are a resilient team. I remembered our tough games against them during the previous qualifiers," he added.

Following their string of strong displays during the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers and the World Cup, Algeria have been tipped as a Nations Cup title contender. However, they failed to impress in the continental tournament where they were eliminated from the competition's quarter finals after a 3-1 loss to Ivory Coast who went on to win title.

Algeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations once since 1990.