DOHA, Qatar – Algerian international Adam Ounas has expressed strong optimism regarding the national team’s performance in the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2025. The tournament, set to commence on Monday in Qatar, will feature 16 nations, including Algeria, the reigning champions.
The Algerian squad, under the guidance of coach Madjid Bougherra, who led them to victory in the 2021 edition held in Doha, aims to replicate their past success. Bougherra’s previous triumph remains a significant moment in Algerian football history.
Following a training session held Saturday evening in the Qatari capital, Ounas conveyed to the Algerian Football Federation’s channel that the atmosphere within the team is excellent. “The pitch is perfect, and the players are in good condition,” he stated. He further noted the comfortable conditions during their initial session and expressed his hope for the team’s continued success throughout the tournament.
The winger emphasized the strong potential within the current squad, highlighting the competition as an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities.
Algeria’s schedule begins on Wednesday at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium against Sudan, in a Group D match that also includes Iraq and Bahrain. The second group stage match against Bahrain is scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, at the Khalifa International Stadium at 2:30 PM. They will conclude the group stage against Iraq on Tuesday, December 9th, at the same venue at 6:00 PM.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals in a knockout format.
Bougherra’s squad features several experienced players who have previously represented the senior national team, including Yacine Benzia (Al-Fayha), Youcef Atal (Al Sadd), Adam Ounas (Al-Sailiya), and Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance Tunis). The team also includes Yacine Brahimi, star of Al-Gharafa, who will miss the opening match due to a minor injury. Veteran striker Islam Slimani, the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, is also set to make a return.
