CAN 2015 Qualifiers: Gourcuff Announces Algeria’s Squad to Face Malawi

Gourcuff Names Algeria Squad for Malawi Double-Header, Fekir Decision Still Pending

Algeria head coach Christian Gourcuff has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi, reaffirming his faith in a core group of experienced internationals.

The Fennecs will face Malawi twice in October—first away in Blantyre on the 11th, and then at home in Blida on the 15th—as part of their qualification campaign for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Algeria currently top their group with six points from two matches, having already defeated Ethiopia and Mali.

Gourcuff’s selection includes a strong European-based contingent, with only three players plying their trade in Algeria’s domestic league: goalkeepers Izzeddine Doukha (JS Kabylie), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (USM Alger), and midfielder Mohamed Khoutir Ziti (JS Kabylie).

One name absent from the squad is highly-rated Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir, who is still undecided over his international allegiance. Eligible to represent both France and Algeria, the 21-year-old continues to deliberate over his future, and Gourcuff has not yet made a first call-up.

In the meantime, the squad includes familiar faces from top leagues across Europe. Raïs M’Bolhi (Philadelphia Union) retains his place as Algeria’s No.1, while defensive stalwarts Madjid Bougherra, Rafik Halliche, and Carl Medjani return to anchor the back line.

Midfield selections reflect Algeria’s growing depth in Europe. Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Mehdi Lacen (Getafe), and Saphir Taïder (Sassuolo) feature alongside England-based duo Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham) and Adlène Guedioura (Crystal Palace). Rising star Riyad Mahrez, making waves at Leicester City, is also included.

Porto’s Yacine Brahimi, one of the standout performers during Algeria’s 2014 World Cup run, will once again provide attacking flair, supported by Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon), Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb), and Ishak Belfodil (Parma) in the forward line.

The squad announcement signals Gourcuff’s intention to secure qualification early, with Algeria needing just a few more points to confirm their place at the 2015 tournament.

Full squad list:

1. Raïs M’Bolhi (Philadelphia Union)

2. Izzeddine Doukha (JS Kabylie)

3. Mohamed Zemmamouche (USM Alger)

4. Aïssa Mandi (Reims)

5. Essaïd Belkalem (Trabzonspor)

6. Madjid Bougherra (Al-Fujairah)

7. Carl Medjani (Trabzonspor)

8. Rafik Halliche (Qatar SC)

9. Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli)

10. Djamel Mesbah (Sampdoria)

11. Mohamed Ziti (JS Kabylie)

12. Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)

13. Mehdi Lacen (Getafe)

14. Saphir Taïder (Sassuolo)

15. Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City)

16. Abdelmoumene Djabou (Club Africain)

17. Adlène Guedioura (Crystal Palace)

18. Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham Hotspur)

19. Liassine Cadamuro (Osasuna)

20. Yacine Brahimi (FC Porto)

21. Ryad Boudebouz (SC Bastia)

22. Islam Slimani (Sporting CP)

23. Hilal Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb)

24. Ishak Belfodil (Parma)

With momentum on their side, Algeria will look to continue their perfect start in Group B and take a decisive step towards AFCON qualification.