Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The Algerian national team is set to face Zimbabwe this evening in the first of two friendly matches scheduled for this November training camp. The match will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
This encounter is the first in the current training camp, followed by a match against Saudi Arabia next Tuesday. Although a friendly, today’s game is crucial for the national team’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Facing a mid-tier African team provides a valuable opportunity to test strategies and player combinations.
National coach Vladimir Petković is expected to use this match to experiment with different players and potentially implement new tactical approaches if necessary. Despite the friendly nature of the game, the team is aiming for a victory to maintain high morale and for each player to demonstrate their value to the squad, solidifying their place in the team that will travel to the AFCON.
Even though the match is being held in Saudi Arabia, the Algerian team is expected to receive strong support. Algerian expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the western region, are anticipated to attend the match and cheer on their national team. Furthermore, the team is also counting on support from the local population of Jeddah and its surrounding areas.
Jeddah is home to two major football clubs, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad, each featuring popular Algerian players: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) and Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad). While their participation in today’s match is uncertain, fans of these players are expected to be present at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium to support Algeria. Beyond the presence of Mahrez and Aouar, the fact that Algeria represents an Arab nation further contributes to the anticipated support.
Riyad Mahrez is excused from today’s friendly. Recent reports have explained Mahrez’s absence from team training, citing the birth of his son – his first son after three daughters, and his second child with British influencer Taylor Ward. Petković has granted Mahrez permission to delay his arrival, and it remains unclear whether he will join the team later. The birth of his child is considered a valid reason for his absence.
