Algeria will present itself at CAN 2025 with a reduced squad, and a new lack of importance further reinforces concerns around the selection. Coach Vladimir Petkovic already has to deal with several defections, and a recent decision has further disrupted the preparation of the Fennecs, a few weeks before kick-off in Morocco.
A historical framework removed from the CAN
It is now official: Youcef Atal, 51 caps, will not participate in the next African Cup of Nations. The right back, present during the last three editions, was recalled… to the A’ national team, summoned to play in the Arab Cup. A tournament whose calendar almost overlaps with that of the CAN, mechanically depriving it of the continental meeting. For a 2019 African champion, the irony is cruel: he who dreamed of a return to grace under Petkovic will have to watch the deadline from the outside.
A decision all the more severe since Atal had shone for his last notable appearance: a decisive save in September against Guinea, in a then momentous match. But since October, the hierarchy has changed. Rafik Belghali was preferred in the right lane, while Petkovic never really brought the former Nice player back into the A team group.
An even harsher context for the Fennecs
Atal’s absence is added to those already confirmed by Youcef BelaĂŻli, injured with ES Tunis, and Amine Gouiri, affected with the Greens. Three missing executives, three offensive or lateral profiles which weigh on the game project. To compensate for its own absences, the A’ team had to make emergency choices: Atal replaces Mohamed Azzi, becoming the second player accustomed to the A selection to switch to Madjid Bougherra’s group after Mohamed TougaĂŻ.
In Algeria, the situation makes you smile: it is said that internationals now fear seeing “Bougherra” displayed on their phones. A call experienced as a chopping block for those who still hope to compete in the CAN rather than being sent for the Arab Cup. A humor which above all masks a more complex reality: Petkovic makes sharp choices, sometimes unpopular, but dictated by his new sporting hierarchy.
