Algeria A’ – Absence of Youcef Belaïli: Madjid Bougherra explains

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·10 November 2025

Algeria A’ – Absence of Youcef Belaïli: Madjid Bougherra explains

Algeria A’: Madjid Bougherra sets the record straight on Youcef Belaïli

Algeria A’ – Absence of Youcef Belaïli: Madjid Bougherra explains

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The controversy surrounding Youcef Belaïli continues to fuel debate, but Madjid Bougherra has stepped in to put an end to the rumors. Speaking at a press conference at the Nelson-Mandela Stadium in Baraki, the coach of the Algeria A’ national team sought to clarify the situation regarding the Oran native, who is absent from both the senior squad and the A’ team list.

"For me, Youcef is not absent, he belongs to the senior team. After this FIFA window, a meeting is scheduled with coach Petkovic to decide which players will go to the AFCON and which will be available for the Arab Cup. I haven't had any direct contact with him; I'm simply waiting for the decisions of the senior team coach," Bougherra explained.

This clarification was necessary to calm speculation about the future of the Espérance de Tunis player. While Belaïli does not appear on the current list, his name remains very much in the plans of the Algerian Football Federation, whether for the Africa Cup of Nations or for the Arab Cup in Qatar.

A decisive training camp in Egypt before Qatar

Madjid Bougherra also justified his decision to organize the November training camp in Cairo, seeing it as a real-world test ahead of the Arab Cup. "

This camp in Egypt is our last before we get down to business. The Egypt A’ team is solid, with players from the senior squad and others from the last Arab Cup. It's an excellent test against an aggressive and technical side. The goal is to immerse our players in an environment with greater intensity than the match against Palestine," he said.

Asked about the inclusion of experienced figures like Islam Slimani or Ryad Boudebouz, the coach clarified:

"Slimani and Boudebouz are part of an experienced backbone, just like Sayoud, Brahimi, or Bedrane. In a high-pressure tournament, you need men with character."

He concluded: "No, this is not the final list. It will be limited to 23 players. This camp allows us to observe new faces and fine-tune our choices. I already have 70 or 80 percent of the list in mind, but there are still a few positions to decide before the Arab Cup."

Balancing caution with ambition, Madjid Bougherra is calmly preparing his squad to defend the title won in 2022.