Fresh off their narrow 1-0 triumph over Botswana in the opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria’s national team has shifted its attention to the next challenge—Group B rivals Tunisia, with the fixture set for Thursday at 17:00 local time at the Père Jégo Stadium.
Coach Farid Benstiti and his technical staff resumed preparations on Monday, organizing a recovery-focused session for those who started in the win against Botswana.
The rest of the squad underwent a full 90-minute workout emphasizing tactical drills and physical conditioning as Algeria aims to solidify its standing in a tightly contested group.
Recovery and fitness management remain a central concern as the squad navigates the intense group-stage schedule.
Midfielder Aïcha Hamidece provided a boost by returning to full training after recovering from a recent injury setback.
Her reintegration into the team is seen as timely, particularly with the looming clash against Tunisia and the subsequent test against tournament heavyweights Nigeria on Sunday, July 13.
Meanwhile, teammate Naïma Bouhani remains on an individual training program, conducting light solo exercises due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Her availability for Thursday remains uncertain and will depend on medical clearance following the team’s final training session on Wednesday.
With Tunisia next on the agenda, Algeria is looking to maintain the momentum generated from their opening-day success.
The slim victory over Botswana, while hard-fought, exposed areas needing refinement—particularly in midfield cohesion and offensive transitions—areas likely to be addressed during this week’s remaining training sessions.
Coach Benstiti is expected to rotate carefully, managing workloads while seeking tactical consistency in a match that could prove decisive for Algeria’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
The Algerians are aware that a positive result against Tunisia would place them in a strong position ahead of the final group match against the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff, Algeria will rely on a balance of experience, strategic discipline, and renewed physical readiness to navigate the high-stakes encounter against a determined Tunisian side.
