Algeria: two key players sidelined, huge surprise ahead of AFCON! | OneFootball

Algeria: Petkovic's radical decision before AFCON

Algeria: two key players sidelined, huge surprise ahead of AFCON!

While the Algerian national team kicked off their preparations in style by beating Zimbabwe (3-1) and then Saudi Arabia (2-0), Vladimir Petkovic used this training camp to send a clear message: AFCON 2025 remains the ultimate goal. With an Arab Cup scheduled from November 25 to December 18—just days before the continental tournament—the coach decided not to take any risks. In a press conference, he lamented the proximity of the two competitions, stating that it “deprives the Arab Cup of many important players.”

Mahrez and Aouar rested for the big event

Faced with this unusual scheduling, Petkovic made a bold call: Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar will not take part in the Arab Cup. The Swiss tactician stressed that both players have all the quality needed to feature, but there’s no point exposing them in a secondary tournament with AFCON just around the corner. “What’s certain is that both will be involved in AFCON,” he insisted.

This decision makes sense given Algeria’s ambitions: to reclaim the summit of African football and confirm the progress made in recent months. The Arab Cup will be an opportunity for other squad members to shine, while the key players are kept fresh for the main event in Morocco.