Algeria’s national football team is preparing to face Equatorial Guinea and Liberia in September as they embark on their quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). After months of speculation and uncertainty, Riyad Mahrez is set to make his return to the Fennecs squad under the leadership of head coach Vladimir Petkovic.
According to reports from *La Gazette du Fennec*, Mahrez, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has been included in Petkovic’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
This marks the first time Mahrez will don the Algerian jersey since the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team faced disappointment.
The 33-year-old winger has yet to play under Petkovic, who took over the national team earlier this year.
The relationship between Mahrez and Petkovic has been the subject of much speculation, particularly after Mahrez opted out of the national team’s March training camp.
At the time, there was apparent miscommunication between the two, with Mahrez waiting for a signal from the coach, and Petkovic, in turn, expecting news from the player.
This disconnect led to widespread rumors that Mahrez’s international career might be nearing its end. However, recent developments suggest that those rumors were premature.
Mahrez’s inclusion in the squad for the upcoming matches against Equatorial Guinea and Liberia is a clear indication that both he and Petkovic are willing to move forward.
Despite the earlier misunderstandings, the two are expected to meet in Jeddah, where Petkovic will visit Mahrez ahead of the September fixtures.
This meeting will be crucial in setting the tone for their future collaboration and could mark a new chapter in Mahrez’s international career.
Mahrez, who joined Al-Ahli in 2023 after a successful stint with Manchester City, has continued to impress with his performances in the Saudi Pro League.
Since his arrival in the Gulf, he has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 34 appearances, proving that he still has much to offer on the pitch.
With 94 caps and 31 goals for Algeria, Mahrez remains a key figure for the national team. His experience and skill will be invaluable as Algeria seeks to secure their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The matches against Equatorial Guinea, scheduled for 5th September at the Stade Miloud Hadefi in Oran, and Liberia, on 10th September at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, will be critical in determining the team’s path forward.
As Algeria gears up for these important qualifiers, the return of Riyad Mahrez provides a significant boost to the squad.
All eyes will now be on the upcoming meeting between Petkovic and Mahrez, as fans eagerly anticipate the winger’s return to the national team fold.
If the discussions go well, Mahrez could once again play a pivotal role in Algeria’s pursuit of continental glory.
🚨Vladimir Petkovic se rendra ce week-end à Djeddah 🇸🇦 pour rencontrer Riyad Mahrez ! ⏳
(@LGDFennec) pic.twitter.com/IcNHFHZKYJ
— Algérie_Foot🇩🇿 (@algeriefoot213) August 18, 2024
