President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Minister of National Defense, oversaw the final match of the 53rd Algerian Military Football Cup on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The event took place at the Military Sports Teams Training and Preparation Center in Ben Aknoun, within the First Military Region. He was received upon arrival by Lieutenant General Said Chengriha, the Chief of Staff of the People’s National Army (ANP).
The ceremony commenced with the President listening to the national anthem, followed by a military parade presented by formations representing various branches of the ANP. President Tebboune then greeted the dignitaries present, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry of National Defense, the Commander of the Republican Guard, the Commanders of the various armed forces, the Director of the Office of the Ministry of National Defense, the Acting Commander of the National Gendarmerie, the Commander of the First Military Region, the Head of the Department of Employment and Preparation of the ANP Staff, and the Head of Military Sports Services.
Following the initial greetings, President Tebboune proceeded to the official platform at the center’s stadium. From there, he presided over the kickoff ceremony of the final match, which pitted the Republican Guard Command team against the Directorate of Administration and Joint Services of the Ministry of National Defense. The match was attended by members of the government, advisors from the Presidency, directors and heads of central departments within the Ministry of National Defense and the ANP Staff.
The first half of the final was characterized by a balanced display, with both teams creating opportunities. However, neither side managed to convert those chances into goals, resulting in a 0-0 score at halftime. The second half saw a noticeable increase in intensity as both teams demonstrated a clear determination to secure victory. The attacking efforts from both sides intensified, but neither was able to break the deadlock, leaving the score tied at 0-0 at the final whistle.
With the score still level after regulation time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout. The Republican Guard Command team ultimately prevailed, winning the shootout 5-3 and claiming the Algerian Military Football Cup.
At the conclusion of the match, President Tebboune presented medals to both teams and awarded the Algerian Military Football Cup to the victorious Republican Guard Command team. The President also took the opportunity to honor a group of military athletes and military sports teams who had excelled throughout the season in various disciplines, both nationally and internationally. These athletes had achieved significant results, showcasing the high level of skill and professionalism within the military sports teams.
The achievements of these athletes underscore the Algerian military’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence alongside its core defense responsibilities. The dedication and discipline instilled through military training translate effectively into the sporting arena, contributing to the success of Algerian military athletes on both national and international stages. Their accomplishments serve as a source of pride for the nation and highlight the positive impact of sports within the armed forces.
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President Tebboune’s presence at the event underscores the importance that the Algerian government places on sports and its role in promoting national unity and pride. His participation in the awards ceremony demonstrated his personal appreciation for the achievements of the military athletes and his commitment to supporting their continued success.
Before departing, President Tebboune posed for a group photograph with the honored athletes and signed the guestbook of the Military Sports Teams Training and Preparation Center. His visit served as a testament to the importance of sports within the Algerian military and the nation as a whole.
The Algerian Military Football Cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the athletic talent within the ANP. It serves as a platform for military personnel to compete at a high level and fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship among the various branches of the armed forces. The tournament also provides an opportunity to identify and develop talented athletes who may have the potential to represent Algeria in international competitions.
The event also highlights the modern facilities and training programs available to military athletes in Algeria. The Military Sports Teams Training and Preparation Center in Ben Aknoun is a state-of-the-art facility that provides athletes with the resources they need to excel in their chosen sports. The center’s commitment to providing high-quality training and support is evident in the success of Algerian military athletes in national and international competitions.
The 53rd Algerian Military Football Cup final was a celebration of sportsmanship, athletic achievement, and national pride. President Tebboune’s presence at the event underscored the importance of sports within the Algerian military and the nation as a whole. The event served as a reminder of the positive impact that sports can have on individuals and communities, and the role it plays in promoting national unity and pride.
The final’s outcome, while significant for the winning team, was ultimately secondary to the broader message of camaraderie, discipline, and dedication to excellence promoted by the event. The Algerian Military Football Cup continues to be an important tradition, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition within the ranks of the People’s National Army. The commitment shown by the participants and the support demonstrated by the nation’s leadership solidify the tournament’s place as a key event in the Algerian sporting calendar.
