Algiers – The coach of the Algerian national team (A’), Majid Boughera, has called up 25 players in preparation for two friendly matches against the Palestinian national team scheduled for October 9 and 13 in Annaba. These matches are part of preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, set to be held from December 1 to 18 in Qatar, according to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).
In preparation for the friendlies, the team will enter a closed training camp in Annaba from October 6 to 14, 2025.
The players will play the two friendly matches in Annaba’s 19 May 1956 Stadium: the first on October 9 at 8:30 pm and the second on October 13 at 6:00 pm.
The Algerian national team, winner of the first edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, was drawn into Group D along with Iraq and the winners of the playoff matches Bahrain-Djibouti and Lebanon-Sudan. Meanwhile, the Palestinian team is set to play a playoff match against Libya next November in Doha.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout phase, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
List of called-up players:
Goalkeepers: Kylian Belaazouk (Rennes/France), Yuba Rayan Yesly (Wanderers/Canada), Mohamed Hadid (JS Kabylie).
Defenders: Zinedine Belaid (JS Kabylie), Abdelsamad Bounacer (Al Shamal/Qatar), Ayoub Ghazala (MC Alger), Ashraf Abada (Olympique de Chlef), Tawfiq Sharifi (Club Africain/Tunisia), Noufel Khasif (CR Belouizdad), Ilyas Sheti (USM Alger), Mohamed Reda Halaimia (MC Alger), Mohamed Azi (Makhachkala/Russia).
Midfielders: Houssam Eddine Merzak (Makhachkala/Russia), Mohamed Ben Khamassa (MC Alger), Zakaria Darawi (USM Alger), Bilal Boukershaoui (CR Belouizdad), Abderraouf Ben Gaith (CR Belouizdad), Amir Saïoud (Al Hazm/Saudi Arabia).
Forwards: Adel Belbina (Al Duhail/Qatar), Abderrahman Meziane (CR Belouizdad), Abderrahman Dghmoum (Al Masry/Egypt), Rafik Guitane (Estoril/Portugal), Redouane Berkan (Al Wakrah/Qatar), Ryan Qaly (Queen’s Park Rangers/Scotland), Sofiane Bayazid (MC Alger).
These preparations reflect Algeria’s ambition to defend its title in the upcoming Arab Cup, building a competitive team with a blend of experienced players in domestic and foreign leagues.
