Surprising Selections in Algeria’s Squad for Crucial Togo Qualifiers
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Loading... - Michelle Collins
- 11 Oct 2024
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Algeria’s national football team, led by Swiss coach Vladimir Petković, has revealed the 26-man squad set for the crucial double-header against Togo in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The list includes some unexpected choices, especially in the goalkeeping department, and reflects Petković’s firm stance on player selection.
Algeria has made an impressive start to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. The “Desert Warriors” kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea on September 5, at the Miloud Haddi Stadium in Oran. Goals from Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri secured the victory.
In the second match on September 10, Algeria travelled to Monrovia, Liberia, and dominated the Liberian national team with a 3-0 win on artificial turf. Goals came from Amine Gouiri, Adam Zarqan, and veteran striker Baghdad Bounedjah. This performance cemented Algeria’s place at the top of Group E, with six points from two matches. Togo follows closely with four points, while Equatorial Guinea and Liberia trail with one point each.
Algeria is set to face Togo in back-to-back qualifiers, starting on October 10 at the May 19 Stadium in Annaba, before travelling to Lomé for the return fixture on October 14 at the Kégué Stadium. These matches are critical, as a strong showing would edge Algeria closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
One of the most notable surprises in Petković’s squad is in the goalkeeping department. Regular keepers Anthony Mandria and Alexandre Okidja were excluded from the squad, raising eyebrows. Mandria was left out due to family issues, as confirmed by the coach, who stated he spoke with the player before making the decision. Okidja, who recently came out of international retirement, was omitted due to a lack of match fitness.
Petković has called up Osama Ben Bout from USM Algiers and Zakaria Bouhalfaya from Constantine, alongside Alexis Kunduz, offering fresh competition for the starting goalkeeper position.
Another significant surprise is the first-time call-up of Ibrahim Maza, a rising talent, who will bolster Algeria’s offensive options. Badr Eddine Bouanani, a key young player for French club Nice, returns to the squad after an excellent start to the season. Additionally, Ahmed Touba, who plays for Belgian side Mechelen, has been recalled after a strong showing at club level. The selection also includes Saïd Redouani, who will fill in for the injured Youssef Atal.
Full Algeria Squad for Togo Qualifiers
Goalkeepers:
- Osama Ben Bout (USM Algiers)
- Alexis Kunduz (Club not listed)
- Zakaria Bouhalfaya (Constantine)
Defenders:
- Saïd Redouani (USM Alger)
- Mohamed Farsi (Columbus Crew)
- Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Joan Hajjam (Le Havre)
- Ahmed Touba (Mechelen)
- Mohamed Amine Madani (Club not listed)
- Mohamed Amine Tougay (Espérance de Tunis)
- Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund)
- Issa Mandi (Villarreal)
Midfielders:
- Ramez Zerrouki (Feyenoord)
- Ahmed Qandoussi (Club not listed)
- Hicham Boudaoui (OGC Nice)
- Adam Zarqan (Charleroi)
Forwards:
- Ibrahim Maza (Club not listed)
- Houssem Aouar (AS Roma)
- Mohamed Amoura (Lugano)
- Said Benrahma (West Ham United)
- Badr Eddine Bouanani (OGC Nice)
- Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, Saudi Pro League)
- Anis Haj Moussa (Club not listed)
- Yassine Ben Zia (Club not listed)
- Amine Gouiri (Stade Rennais)
- Baghdad Bounedjah (Al-Sadd)
The exclusion of key goalkeepers means Algeria will be relying on relatively inexperienced players in this position, which could be a challenge against a physical Togo side. However, the inclusion of returning stars like Badr Eddine Bouanani and Ahmed Touba strengthens both defense and attack. Algeria’s offense will once again look to the creativity of Riyad Mahrez and the finishing ability of Baghdad Bounedjah and Amine Gouiri.
With Togo only two points behind Algeria in the group, these qualifiers could define the trajectory of both teams in their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification. The Desert Warriors will hope to secure victories in both matches to solidify their position at the top of Group E.
The Algerian national team's squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Togo includes some surprising choices, particularly in goal, with the absences of established players like Mandria and Okidja. Coach Vladimir Petković’s bold decisions reflect his trust in new faces and returning talents. With six points already secured, Algeria is well-positioned, but the upcoming Togo fixtures will be crucial in determining their path toward qualification.
