Algeria begins its campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers tonight with a highly anticipated fixture against Equatorial Guinea. The match, taking place at Oran’s Miloud Hadefi Stadium, marks a pivotal moment for the Algerian national team as they seek to qualify for the tournament, set to be held in Morocco. Under the leadership of head coach Vladimir Petkovic, the team aims to recapture the glory of previous campaigns, while facing a determined opponent capable of surprising on the big stage.
This encounter is steeped in significance, as it represents Algeria’s first competitive match in Oran since a bruising 5-2 defeat to Nigeria in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
However, tonight’s challenge against Equatorial Guinea is seen as an opportunity for redemption and the start of a successful journey to AFCON 2025.
Expectations are high, with fans hoping to witness a new era of dominance led by the return of star player Riyad Mahrez.
Despite the prestige of their rivals, Algeria remains cautious.
Equatorial Guinea has demonstrated its ability to produce moments of brilliance, such as their shock victory over Algeria during the 2022 AFCON, ending the team’s 35-match unbeaten run.
More recently, in January 2024, Equatorial Guinea stunned the footballing world again by thrashing Côte d’Ivoire 4-0 on their home turf.
Petkovic is keenly aware of the threat posed by Equatorial Guinea, a team that has earned a reputation for upsetting the established order in African football.
Speaking ahead of the match, Petkovic struck a balance between confidence and caution.
“Qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is crucial for us, and we will face formidable opponents,” he said. “Although we are considered the favorites on paper, it is up to us to prove that we really deserve this victory.
” He praised the growing competitiveness of African football, acknowledging that teams across the continent have improved significantly in recent years.
Petkovic’s tactical approach to the game remains a topic of discussion among fans and analysts.
While the return of veteran goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja provides stability, uncertainty persists in several key positions.
The right-back slot could see Youcef Atal start, though he faces competition from youngster Mehdi Farsi, who is set to earn his first cap for the national team.
Meanwhile, on the left flank, Yanis Hadjam is likely to step in for the injured Rayan Aït-Nouri.
The midfield is expected to be anchored by the reliable duo of Ismaël Bennacer and Ramiz Zerrouki, with Houssem Aouar tasked with playmaking duties.
Petkovic faces a tough decision on the wings, with captain Riyad Mahrez battling it out with Amir Sayoud for the right-wing position, while Yassine Benzia is the frontrunner to start on the left.
Up front, Amine Gouiri, currently in fine form at club level, is set to lead the line for the Greens.
Adding to the excitement, the playing conditions at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium have been praised for their quality.
The Algerian Football Federation recently shared footage of the stadium’s impeccable pitch, a result of dedicated maintenance efforts by the groundskeeping staff.
This attention to detail ensures that Algeria will play on a surface conducive to their dynamic style of football, giving them every advantage in their pursuit of victory.
As Algeria prepares to take the field, fans across the nation are filled with optimism.
A strong performance tonight would set the tone for the remainder of their qualifying campaign, with the ultimate goal of returning to the summit of African football at AFCON 2025.
Victory in Oran would not only boost morale but also signal the start of a new era for a team eager to reclaim its place among the continent’s elite.
