Algeria’s football landscape is buzzing with activity, from ambitious declarations to injury woes. This week, DZWatch examines the evolving narratives surrounding key players like Mohamed Amine Amoura, Rayan Ait Nouri, and Nabil Bentaleb, alongside an update on Rafik Guitane.
**Amoura Sets Sights on AFCON Triumph**
Mohamed Amine Amoura, the Wolfsburg forward and Algerian international, has publicly declared his ambition to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year. In an interview with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) official website, Amoura spoke candidly about his personal form, the team’s aspirations, and the challenges that lie ahead.
“Things are going very well, praise be to God,” Amoura stated, emphasizing the positive atmosphere within the national team. “The atmosphere is fantastic, marked by seriousness and a great desire to give our best. We know that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be a tough tournament, and therefore we are preparing for it with full focus.” This will be Amoura’s third AFCON appearance, a source of immense pride for the player. His personal goal is to contribute in any way possible, whether through scoring goals, providing assists, or contributing to the team’s overall effort. “The most important thing for me is to give everything I have for the nation,” he affirmed.
Amoura attributed his recent impressive form to hard work and the trust placed in him by head coach Vladimir Petković. He emphasized that the support he receives from both the coach and his teammates has been crucial to his development. “Regarding my recent form, I believe the secret lies in hard work and the trust that the coach and my teammates give me,” he explained. “When you feel supported and work hard, results come naturally. I certainly aspire to continue this level during the Africa Cup of Nations, as this is a special tournament, and every match can make a difference in your career. Therefore, I want to be in the best possible shape.”
Addressing the challenging group Algeria finds itself in, Amoura acknowledged the strength of their opponents, including Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. However, he asserted that Algeria fears no one and will approach each match with the intention of securing victory and making their fans proud. “We know that we are in a strong group with respectable teams like Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan. We respect everyone, but we are not afraid of anyone,” Amoura declared. “We have a complete team and outstanding players, and we will prove our worth on the field.” When asked about Algeria’s ultimate goal for the tournament, Amoura was unequivocal: they are aiming for the title. He acknowledged that achieving this objective will require a collective effort from everyone involved with the team.
“Our goal is clear: to go far in the tournament and represent Algeria in the best possible way. We want to make our fans happy and strive, God willing, to win the title, but that requires focus and working step by step,” he stated. Amoura concluded by emphasizing the strength and potential of the current Algerian squad, describing them as a talented generation. However, he stressed that success depends not only on individual quality but also on the unity and solidarity within the team, as well as the unwavering support of the fans. “In my opinion, the key to the success of the national team is the team spirit. We have a talented generation, but our real strength lies in our unity and solidarity on and off the field,” Amoura said. “I would like to send a message to our dear fans, saying that you are our source of strength. We feel your support everywhere, and we promise you that we will fight in every match so that we can all be proud of the name of Algeria, God willing.”
**Ait Nouri’s Uncertain Situation at Wolves**
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Rayan Ait Nouri’s absence from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ squad for their recent match against Aston Villa has raised concerns about his fitness and readiness. Despite being included in the squad for the previous match against Villarreal, Ait Nouri was completely left out of the squad, even after training with the team for eleven days. Coach Guardiola stated that Ait Nouri is not yet fully fit and that he does not want to take any risks with him. The coach’s initial comments suggested that Ait Nouri was unavailable to start, but his complete absence from the squad indicates a more significant issue.
Ait Nouri’s absence comes at an inopportune time, with the Algerian national team’s training camp just weeks away. The national team coach may be hesitant to call up Ait Nouri, especially considering that the camp consists of friendly matches. Even if Ait Nouri returns to play one or two games for Wolves before the international break, it may be more beneficial for him to remain with his club to regain full fitness.
**Rafik Guitane’s Return Remains Uncertain**
The return of Rafik Guitane to the pitch appears to be delayed further than initially expected. Guitane sustained an ankle injury in early September, with an initial return date set for the second week of October. However, the end of October has arrived without any sign of his return. According to “Les Violets”, a Toulouse FC news source, Guitane’s situation is unclear. The source stated that there are no indications of Guitane’s imminent return, as he has not yet started any physical conditioning. “Les Violets” suggested that the new expected return date is early November, but this timeline seems unlikely given his inability to engage in any physical activity. Guitane’s return may be delayed even further, with a new return date pending. The French media initially reported that the ankle injury was serious, suggesting that his return will be cautious. It’s worth noting that he suffered a similar injury at the end of last season, making a careful recovery even more crucial.
**Bentaleb’s Difficult Period Continues**
While Amoura is soaring and Mandi maintains consistency, Nabil Bentaleb finds himself in a challenging situation. Details surrounding his current club situation are scarce, but his absence from regular playing time suggests difficulties. The Algerian international will need to overcome these obstacles to regain his form and contribute effectively, both for his club and potentially for the national team in the future. DZWatch will continue to monitor Bentaleb’s progress and provide updates as more information becomes available.
