Algiers \u2013 Algeria\u2019s national football team coach, Vladimir Petkovi\u0107, confirmed on Thursday that Mitchell Weiser (Werder Bremen, Germany) and Abdelrahman Ribach (Deportivo Alav\u00e9s, Spain) are under consideration for potential inclusion in the national squad. While they are on the coaching team\u2019s radar, Petkovi\u0107 opted for other tactical solutions for the upcoming matches.Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at a press conference held at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Petkovi\u0107 said, \u201cWeiser is a well-known player whom I observed in Germany. He has the experience we need and is on our expanded list. For now, I\u2019ve chosen different options.\u201d The press event was in anticipation of Algeria\u2019s final two matches in Group E of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scheduled for Thursday, November 14 against Equatorial Guinea in Malabo (2:00 p.m.) and Sunday, November 17 against Liberia at the Hussein Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou (5:00 p.m.). Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petkovi\u0107\u2019s 26-player squad for these crucial matches includes the first-time call-up of Amin Shaykha from Copenhagen FC in Denmark. Commenting on Ribach, Petkovi\u0107 said, \u201cRibach has been a starter in his recent club games, and his style suits our team well. He\u2019s fast, much like Amoura, but his absence is simply a personal choice.\u201d Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Petkovi\u0107 discussed the return of midfielder Fares Cha\u00efbi (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), who is rejoining \u201cLes Fennecs\u201d after a period away. \u201cCha\u00efbi was with us last March. Although he hasn\u2019t played much recently, he\u2019s a young, promising talent. When I see players struggling, I try to support them, like I\u2019ve done with others such as Atal. Cha\u00efbi\u2019s presence will be valuable, especially with key midfield players like Bentaleb, Bennacer, Aouar, and Boudaoui unavailable.\u201d Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petkovi\u0107 emphasized that Algeria\u2019s national team remains open to players not currently selected, mentioning names like Brahimi, Sayoud, and Bela\u00efli, who may be considered for future matches. Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite an injury sustained with his club, Young Boys (Switzerland), defender Juan Hacham is listed among the 26-player roster. Petkovi\u0107 commented, \u201cI included him because it\u2019s unclear if he\u2019ll be fit to play. Our medical team is in constant communication with his club, and we\u2019ll evaluate his condition based on his performance this Sunday. Overall, we have alternatives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petkovi\u0107 also expressed \u201csatisfaction\u201d with Riyad Mahrez\u2019s recent form at Al-Ahli Jeddah, where the player scored three goals in his last three matches across all competitions. \u201cIt\u2019s a positive development to see Riyad Mahrez regaining his form. He\u2019s been assisting teammates and has improved physically. I expect to see the best of Mahrez in the coming games,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petkovi\u0107 concluded by stating his ambition for a versatile Algerian team, one capable of adapting and changing strategies as needed. \u201cI don\u2019t want to rely on a single approach. My goal is a cohesive squad that can dominate matches.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After four qualifying rounds, Algeria sits at the top of Group E with 12 points, followed by Equatorial Guinea with 7 points. Togo is in third with 2 points, and Liberia is last with 1 point. The top two teams from each group will advance to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, with only one team advancing from the host country\u2019s group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Algeria\u2019s upcoming games against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia are essential for maintaining their lead and securing qualification. Should Algeria emerge victorious in both matches, they will solidify their position and take a major step toward participating in the prestigious tournament in 2025. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Petkovi\u0107\u2019s adaptable strategy will prove effective against diverse opponents, with Algeria\u2019s ultimate goal being not only to qualify but to make a strong showing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria National Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n