Mohamed Amoura inspires Algeria to confident win over Zimbabwe in AFCON warm-up

Algeria began their Africa Cup of Nations preparations with an assured 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A largely experimental side impressed under coach Vladimir Petkovic, with Mohamed Amoura delivering a standout performance that underlined his growing influence for the Fennecs.

Petkovic used the encounter to test new combinations and tactical flexibility.

The most notable change saw Rayan Aït-Nouri deployed unusually high up the pitch as a left winger, a bold decision that reflected the coach’s intent to explore attacking depth.

Regular starters including Riyad Mahrez, Aïssa Mandi and Alexis Guendouz were left on the bench, allowing several fringe players the chance to prove their worth.

The reworked midfield trio of Ismaël Bennacer, Ramiz Zerrouki and Ibrahim Maza offered balance and creativity, while Zineddine Belaïd and Samir Chergui formed a fresh partnership in central defence.

Goalkeeper Oussama Benbot also made his return between the posts, his first appearance since June 2025.

From the outset, Algeria dictated the tempo with crisp passing and intelligent movement.

The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Maza split the Zimbabwean defence with a perfectly timed pass to Amoura, who cut inside and unselfishly squared the ball across goal for Baghdad Bounedjah to tap in from close range.

Le but de Bounedjah ! pic.twitter.com/ATdwxkJ5rN

— DZfoot (@DZfoot) November 13, 2025

Amoura doubled the lead shortly before half-time with a moment of individual brilliance.

The Wolfsburg forward beat his marker with quick footwork before firing a powerful shot under the crossbar to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.

His confidence and pace troubled Zimbabwe’s backline throughout the first half.

Moments later, Maza was again at the heart of Algeria’s attack, this time setting up Jaouen Hadjam for a stunning third.

The Young Boys defender met a loose ball on the edge of the box and volleyed it home off the underside of the bar in first-half stoppage time, giving Algeria a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.

After the interval, Aït-Nouri — playing further forward than usual — came close to extending the scoreline but narrowly missed with an attempted lob over goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

As substitutions rolled in, Algeria’s rhythm dipped slightly, allowing Zimbabwe to gain a foothold.

🚨LE BUT DE AMOURA ⚽️

WoW 😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/LObAWxkQXC

— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) November 13, 2025

The visitors eventually pulled one back late on when Rafik Belghali conceded a penalty, which Zimbabwe converted in the 88th minute to make it 3-1.

Despite the late blemish, Algeria’s performance was one of attacking fluidity and tactical promise.

Petkovic’s side will continue their preparations on 18 November when they face Hervé Renard’s Saudi Arabia, aiming to build on this confident display ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.