Gourcuff Returns to Algiers as Algeria Begin AFCON 2017 Preparations
Algeria head coach Christian Gourcuff is expected to arrive in Algiers on Friday as preparations begin in earnest for the Fennecs’ opening qualifier against Seychelles in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
The Frenchman will meet with his technical staff to finalise the team’s preparation programme ahead of the first round of qualifiers, scheduled for mid-June. The match against Seychelles will mark the start of Algeria’s journey in Group J as they bid for a place at the tournament in Gabon.
Gourcuff is expected to focus on several key issues during the meeting, including tracking the form of international players, finalising the date of the opening fixture, and scheduling a warm-up friendly prior to the qualifier.
Assistant coach Nabil Neghiz will oversee scouting and evaluation of players based in the Algerian domestic league. Meanwhile, general manager Yazid Mansouri has been tasked with monitoring the performances of Algerian players abroad and exploring the possibility of integrating new talent into the squad.
Algeria’s AFCON 2017 Qualifying Schedule – Group J:
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Matchday 1: 12–14 June 2015
Algeria vs Seychelles
Ethiopia vs Lesotho -
Matchday 2: 4–6 September 2015
Lesotho vs Algeria
Seychelles vs Ethiopia -
Matchday 3: 23–26 March 2016
Algeria vs Ethiopia
Seychelles vs Lesotho -
Matchday 4: 26–29 March 2016
Ethiopia vs Algeria
Lesotho vs Seychelles -
Matchday 5: 3–5 June 2016
Seychelles vs Algeria
Lesotho vs Ethiopia -
Matchday 6: 2–4 September 2016
Algeria vs Lesotho
Ethiopia vs Seychelles
Algeria, one of the continent’s strongest sides, will be widely favoured to top Group J, which also includes Ethiopia, Lesotho, and Seychelles. The Fennecs are aiming to build on their strong showing in recent international competitions, including their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign and 2015 AFCON run.
With less than two months until their opening qualifier, Gourcuff and his team are keen to ensure all elements of preparation are in place — from squad selection to match logistics — as Algeria seek a strong start to their qualification campaign.
