After validating its ticket for the 2026 World Cup at the last meeting, Algeria is now focused on its next objective: the CAN, which will take place from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. And the preparation of the Fennecs begins this November international window, with two friendly matches on the program, against Zimbabwe this Thursday and Saudi Arabia next Tuesday.
For the first match against Zimbabwe, legend Riyad Mahrez is uncertain. Summoned for this gathering, the Al-Ahli winger was not present on Monday for the start of the training course in Saudi Arabia. And for good reason, his arrival was delayed due to a happy family event.
Indeed, the former Citizen was authorized to stay with his partner, who gave birth to his fourth child, a boy. Riyad Mahrez thus missed the Algerians’ first two training sessions in Jeddah.
Mahrez replacing against Zimbabwe?
The captain of the Greens returned to the group this Wednesday, reports DZ Football. He even took part in the final training session on the annex lawn of the King Abdullah stadium before facing the Warriors this Thursday (5:30 p.m.). The English champion with Leicester in 2016, however, is not certain of playing this first friendly match.
Note that the entire group took part in this Wednesday session, with the exception of Hicham Boudaoui. the Nice native followed an individual training program. Goalkeeper Zakaria Bouhalfaya was also present, he who replaced Luca Zidane, injured and out of this gathering.
