Algeria is gearing up for its fifth appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having previously participated in 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2014. For the Fennecs Ladies, the primary objective remains clear: to advance beyond the group stage, a milestone that has eluded them in all their past appearances. Achieving this goal, however, will require overcoming a series of challenges, from key player absences to a particularly tough group.
The Algerian squad faces a difficult task under the guidance of coach Radia Fertoul, a former national team player who now serves as a member of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). Fertoul is well aware of the obstacles ahead but also recognizes the team’s potential strengths. Her strategy focuses on organization and discipline, with an emphasis on building from a solid defensive foundation.
Algeria is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, prioritizing defensive stability before launching attacking moves. Central to this strategy are captain Sekouane and her defensive partner Ouaddah, both seasoned players whose experience is crucial in organizing the backline and maintaining composure under pressure. Their leadership will be vital in helping the team absorb the intensity of competition at this continental level.
A significant blow for the squad has been the injury of Naima Bouhani, who was sidelined during a friendly match in the lead-up to the tournament. Her absence leaves a gap in both skill and leadership, but Toulouse’s Myriam Benlazar has been tasked with stepping up as the team’s key player. Benlazar’s role as a leader will be pivotal in motivating her teammates and orchestrating attacks, particularly as Algeria looks to make an impact against strong opponents.
Beyond Benlazar, Algeria possesses several players capable of influencing matches. Ines Boutaleb, Lina Khelif of Grenoble, Imane Chebel, and Assia Sidhoum are all talents to watch during the competition, offering creativity, energy, and tactical intelligence in midfield and attack. Additionally, Morgane Belhiter of Olympique de Marseille could emerge as a revelation, providing both skill and versatility to the squad.
Algeria has been drawn into a challenging group, and their first-round fixtures will test their resilience and cohesion. Their campaign opens on November 17 at 3:30 PM with a match against Ghana, followed by a clash with Cameroon on November 20 at 6:30 PM. The final group stage match will see Algeria face Mali on November 23 at 4:00 PM. Each game represents an opportunity for the Fennecs Ladies to prove themselves and aim for a historic advancement beyond the group stage.
While expectations are measured given the competitive nature of the group and the setbacks from injuries, Fertoul’s squad possesses a blend of experience and emerging talent. If they can maintain defensive solidity, harness the creativity of their attacking players, and demonstrate leadership in critical moments, Algeria has a genuine chance to finally break through and reach the knockout stage of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
