AFCON 2025: New Horizons TV documentary explores Algeria’s journey from 1991 to 2024

A new documentary charting Algeria’s modern history at the Africa Cup of Nations has been released on YouTube, offering supporters a detailed look back as the 2025 tournament gets under way.

With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off today, the general-interest daily newspaper Horizons has unveiled the second part of its latest documentary project on Horizons TV.

Since Saturday, viewers have been able to watch Part Two of “The Greens in the AFCON – 1957–2024”, a production by sports historian and journalist Ahmed Bessol, known as “Lahouari”.

This latest instalment runs for 22 minutes and focuses specifically on Algeria’s AFCON campaigns from 1991 to 2024.

The documentary revisits a period marked by expectation, frustration and eventual triumph, centring on Algeria’s long pursuit of a second continental title.

That quest finally culminated in a historic victory which sparked nationwide celebrations, as millions of Algerians took to the streets to honour a generation of players guided by the Zetchi–Belmadi leadership.

Throughout the film, Bessol draws on extensive archival footage to reconstruct each chapter of Algeria’s AFCON story during this era.

The narrative follows qualification campaigns, decisive matches and key goalscorers, while also examining the broader media and political contexts surrounding successive tournaments.

Attention is given not only to moments of glory, but also to setbacks and turning points that shaped the national team’s evolution.

The documentary also includes a series of lesser-known anecdotes, offering viewers insights rarely discussed in mainstream coverage.

These elements add depth to a story that extends beyond results, helping to explain how the Greens’ AFCON journey has been influenced by circumstances both on and off the pitch.

Ahmed Bessol, author of “The Fabulous History of the North African Cup 1930–1956, or the Secret Notebooks of the Mauresque”, brings his trademark attention to historical detail, presenting a concise but information-rich account designed to appeal to both dedicated supporters and casual viewers.

The film aims to provide context and perspective, making it equally useful for sparking debate among fans or for gaining a clearer understanding of the national team’s legacy.

This second part follows the first instalment, which covers the period from 1957 to 1991 and was revisited and rebroadcast on Horizons TV two days ago.

Together, the two films form a complete overview of Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations history, tracing the Greens’ journey from their early appearances to recent campaigns.

With Algeria set to open their 2025 AFCON campaign on December 24 in Rabat against Sudan, the release of “The Greens in the AFCON – 1991–2024” offers timely viewing.

As anticipation builds ahead of the opening match, the documentary provides a reminder of the challenges, achievements and defining moments that have shaped Algeria’s place in African football history.