After ensuring its presence at the 2026 World Cup, Algeria has begun its preparation for the CAN, which will take place from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 at home. The Fennecs started with a victory over Zimbabwe (3-1), Thursday in Jeddah, before challenging Hervé Renard’s Saudi Arabia, this Tuesday (5:30 p.m.).
A meeting for which Vladimir Petkovic will be deprived of many elements. Ramy Bensebaïni, Farès Chaïbi, Mohamed Tougaï and Amine Gouiri, all injured, were not invited to this gathering. Luca Zidane traveled to Saudi Arabia, where Algeria is doing his training, before being sent home due to an injury.
In addition to these packages, the Swiss technician will not be able to count on Hicham Boudaoui and Mohamed Amoura. Both players were allowed to leave the gathering. in order to avoid any risk of aggravation of their injuries », indicated the FAF through a press release.
Kebbal still on the bench despite the absences?
With all these absences, Nabil Djellit would see an eleven with Illan Kebbal against the Falcons. “The opportunity to bring Mahrez closer to the attacker in 9.5. And to give Kebbal a chance in a match. He is a leader at PFC and one of the best players in L1. It deserves more than 5 mins vs Uganda and 10 mins vs Zimbabwe”wrote the journalist on X.
Yes but here it is, according to Fennec FootballPetkovic should opt for a 4-2-3-1, with Riyad Mahrez on the right side of the attack, Rayan Aït Nouri on the left and Baghdad Bounedjah at the forefront. In the midfield, we could find Ismaël Bennacer and Ramiz Zerouki, with Houssam Aouar a little higher up. In defense, Rafik Boughlali, Aïssa Mandi, Samir Chergui and Jaouen Hadjam are expected, while Alexis Gendouz should keep the cage.
The probable composition of Algeria: Gendouz – Boughlali, Mandi, Chergui, Hadjam – Bennacer, Zerouki – Mahrez, Aouar, Nouri – Bounedjah.
