Algeria A’ Face Palestine in Friendly as Arab Cup Preparations Intensify

Algeria A’ will host Palestine in a friendly in Annaba this Thursday as part of preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

Madjid Bougherra’s squad has been training in Annaba since Monday, October 6. The 25-player group will face Palestine twice, starting this evening at the Stade du 19 Mai 1956 at 8:30 p.m.

The squad saw several changes ahead of this camp. Zinedine Belaïd (JS Kabylie) joined the senior team to replace injured Mohamed Amine Tougaï, and Hocine Dehili (USM Alger) took his place.

Defender Abdessamed Bounacer (Al-Shamal SC, Qatar) and striker Rafik Guitane (GD Estoril, Portugal) were replaced by Réda Benchaa (JS Kabylie) and Yousri Bouzok (Al-Raed FC, Saudi Arabia).

The team began its first session on Monday on the stadium’s annex pitch. Mohamed Azzi and Houssem Mrezigue of FK Dinamo Makhachkala arrived later that evening. After two further sessions, including yesterday’s on the main pitch, the squad focused on tactical adjustments and team cohesion.

Bougherra and his staff emphasized technical and tactical drills, using various workshops and practice matches to improve collective understanding.

The changes to the squad required rapid integration of new players into the team’s system, building on the foundation set during CHAN-2024.

The first match against Palestine will kick off at 8:30 p.m., with Algeria in white and Palestine in red.

The second friendly is set for Monday, October 13, at 6:00 p.m., at the same stadium.

Palestine prepares for its Arab Cup qualifiers with a single-leg match against Libya in Doha next November, making these friendlies crucial for both sides.

Training on the eve of the match saw the squad finalize tactical plans and make last-minute adjustments. Players focused on positioning, movement, and set-piece routines to ensure readiness for tonight’s game.

The match will be officiated entirely by Algerian referees. Alaa Eddine Bouab will serve as the main referee, assisted by Anouar Ghazali and Islam Boukhatem. Zouhir Mansri will act as fourth official.

Algeria A’ aim to sharpen their collective play while integrating new squad members. Bougherra seeks to create cohesion, build confidence, and ensure the team is prepared for the Arab Cup challenge in December.