On the eve of AFCON, Vladimir Petkovic faces a luxury problem | OneFootball

Algeria: Vladimir Petkovic confronted with a selection headache

On the eve of AFCON, Vladimir Petkovic faces a welcome dilemma

With just three months to go before the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Algeria’s national team is still weighing its options for December’s friendly matches. According to the latest reports, several African nations have already expressed interest in taking on the Fennecs: South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, and the Comoros are all in the mix. The Algerian Football Federation and Vladimir Petkovic will soon have to make a decision, as these upcoming friendlies will serve as a full dress rehearsal before a tournament where the margin for error is virtually nonexistent.

A recent past that demands caution

The successive disappointments of AFCON 2021 and 2024 still loom large in the collective memory. Two early exits in the group stage have seriously damaged the aura of a squad with ambitions to dominate the continent. While Petkovic has brought stability in terms of results, the performances on the pitch are still considered below par. Criticism intensified again in September, after a laboured 3-1 win over Botswana and a lacklustre draw against Guinea. In short, the December preparations will need to deliver assurances—not just in terms of results, but above all in the quality of play displayed.

Fully aware of the current limitations, Vladimir Petkovic may use the next training camp to inject some new blood. Key figures like Saïd Benrahma or Ramiz Zerrouki could find themselves sidelined, while new faces are emerging. Centre-back Samir Chergui is a serious candidate, as are Anis Hadj Moussa, Ibrahim Maza, and Ilan Kebbal, who was named Ligue 1 Player of the Month in August. Handing greater responsibility to these dynamic talents could breathe energy and intensity into a team that sometimes looks all too predictable.

Algeria is entering a pivotal phase: nailing its friendly preparations to head into AFCON with confidence. For Petkovic, the stakes go far beyond squad management. This is about restoring the image of a national team that can no longer afford any missteps, with every tactical and personnel decision sure to be under the microscope.