Mehdi Mostefa Algiers – Hocine Bousaleh Algerian international Mehdi Mostefa says he is excited about playing his part for the national team at next year's African Cup of Nations. In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, the AC Ajaccio midfielder said he was eagerly awaiting announcement of the 23-man Algeria squad to feature in South Africa. He added that he respects national team manager Vahid Halilhodži?’s decisions and that competition between players will ultimately help the team. The 29-year-old praised newcomer Faouzi Ghoulam, the Saint-Étienne 21-year-old left-back who opted to play for Algeria over France. Mostefa said Ghoulam was “an important addition to the team, especially as he is very young and has a big future ahead of him with the Algerian team.” Reflecting on the African Cup qualifiers, the former Nîmes star said the level of performance between African teams has improved. "The final decisive round against Libya was the hardest, due to the derby nature of the march and the strength of the Libyan nation team." The ACN draw saw the Greens grouped with Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Togo. Mostefa said the games will be tough, but described the match with sister country Tunisia as the key to doing well in the tournament. Mostefa emphasised on the need to prepare well, focus and maintain team spirit.