The Algerian national team, led by coach Ibrahim Hamdani, will kick off their 2027 AFCON qualifying journey against Zambia at the Hussein Ait Ahmed stadium in Tizi Ouzou on Friday, September 25, 2026. This match marks Hamdani's first official test as the team's coach, and he will be seeking a strong start. The Greens will be looking to secure a win against Zambia before traveling to Bujumbura, Burundi, for their second match against the host team.
The Algerian team has been preparing for this match, with the players undergoing their final training session at the Sidi Moussa center on Thursday. Coach Hamdani focused on tactics and made final adjustments in preparation for the match. The team's players, including Ibrahim Maza, are eager to secure their first three points in the qualifying campaign. The match will be played behind closed doors.
Algeria is part of Group Nine in the qualifying campaign, which also includes Togo, Zambia, and Burundi. The team's goal is to secure a spot in the 2027 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17. A win against Zambia would be a significant step towards achieving this goal.
The Algerian team's probable lineup for the match against Zambia includes Masteil Melvin in goal, with Samir Cherki, Ryad Ait Nouri, Ramy Ben Sebaaini, and Saheib Nair in defense. The midfield will feature Himad Abdelli, Ibrahim Maza, and Farès Chaïbi, while the attack will comprise Hadi Moussa, Amine Gouiri, and Mohamed Amine Omoura.
Coach Hamdani has made some notable decisions regarding the team's squad, omitting players like Zidane and Boudawi. He has also recalled players who had been overlooked by previous coach, Petkovic. The team's captain, Islam Slimani, has expressed his commitment to the team, stating that he does not expect any special treatment from the Algerian Football Federation.
The match against Zambia is crucial for Algeria's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. A win would give the team a significant boost in their campaign, while a loss could make their task more difficult. The team's fans are eagerly anticipating the match, hoping for a strong performance from the Greens.
The Algerian team's recent performances have been promising, with some notable victories and draws. However, the team still faces significant challenges in their qualifying campaign, including tough matches against Togo and Burundi. The team's coach, Ibrahim Hamdani, will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance against Zambia and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Key points
- Algeria's national team will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Zambia on Friday, September 25, 2026.
- The team's coach, Ibrahim Hamdani, is seeking a strong start in his first official match as Algeria's coach.
- Algeria is part of Group Nine in the qualifying campaign, which also includes Togo, Zambia, and Burundi.