The Algerian national football team, also known as the "Greens," commenced their training camp on Monday at the National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa, Algiers. The team is preparing for their upcoming matches against Zambia and Burundi in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Under the guidance of new coach Ibrahim Hamdani, the team began their first training session with 26 players, including new additions and experienced players.
Hamdani, 48, has made significant changes to the team's lineup compared to the previous World Cup. Notably, he has excluded players like Houssem Aouar and Ramiz Zerrouki, while also retiring captain Riyad Mahrez and defender Issa Mandi. The new coach has called up 21-year-old Adil Bourbeba from French club Lomon for the first time. Bourbeba joins the team as a midfielder, adding fresh talent to the squad.
The training camp is the first step for the Greens under Hamdani's leadership, following the departure of former coach Vladimir Petkovic after the 2026 World Cup. The team's first match is against Zambia on Friday at the Tizi Ouzou stadium, followed by a match against Burundi on September 29 in Bujumbura. The team will also play a friendly match against Niger on October 6.
The Algerian team's coaching staff has undergone changes, with Antar Yahia appointed as assistant coach, Nasser Eddine Berrarama as goalkeeper coach, and Nasser Daihnesh as physical preparer. The team's players began arriving at the training camp on Monday morning, with all 26 players present except for Nabil Bentaleb, who was excused due to an injury sustained during his club's match on Sunday.
Bentaleb's absence has been filled by the inclusion of Bourbeba, who is eager to make his debut for the national team. The team's training sessions will be open to the media on Tuesday, with a mixed zone session scheduled before the training session. This will provide an opportunity for journalists to interact with the players and coaches.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are a crucial competition for the Algerian team, and Hamdani's new lineup will face stiff challenges in the coming matches. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts, who will assess the team's progress under the new coach.
The Algerian team's training camp in Sidi Moussa will continue until the team's departure for Bujumbura, where they will face Burundi. The team's friendly match against Niger on October 6 will provide an opportunity for Hamdani to evaluate his players' performance and make further adjustments to the team's lineup.
Key points
- Algeria's national football team begins training camp ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
