DZWatch Exclusive: Madjid Bougherra, coach of Algeria’s national ‘A’ team, has made a significant squad adjustment ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. Mohamed Amine Tougai has been called up to replace Ayoub Ghezala, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.
The Arab Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from December 1st to 18th. Algeria enters the competition as the defending champion, having secured the title in Doha back in December 2021. Bougherra and his squad are aiming to replicate that success and bring home another trophy.
Ghezala’s injury has disrupted the coaching staff’s plans. The defender sustained the injury during a recent CAF Champions League match between Mouloudia Alger and Al-Hilal of Sudan. Initial assessments confirmed that he would be unable to participate in the upcoming Arab Cup.
Tougai’s inclusion marks a return to the national team setup. He was a regular presence in the senior squad under former coach Vladimir Petkovic. However, he lost his place in the most recent international break, with Belaid and Samir Chergui being preferred in central defense. This call-up to the ‘A’ team provides Tougai with a valuable opportunity to regain his form and prove his worth on the international stage in the Arab Cup.
DZWatch will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Algerian national team’s preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup 2025.
