Four new faces to shake up Algeria squad ahead of March friendlies

Algeria’s national team is set to inject fresh energy into its squad for the upcoming March training camp, with coach Vladimir Petkovic calling up four players who will make their debut for the “Desert Foxes”.

The additions highlight a renewed focus on integrating emerging talent from both domestic and European leagues as Algeria prepares for two high-profile friendlies in Italy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The newcomers include Swiss club Nyon goalkeeper Melvin Mastel, Italian side Modena goalkeeper Abdullah Laidani, Frosinone winger Farès Ghedjemis, and French club Toulouse right-back Rafik Messali. Their selection reflects both strong performances at club level and the national team’s strategic aim to broaden its pool of talent, particularly after standout displays in recent competitions.

Petkovic has also reinforced the squad with two players who impressed at the 2025 Arab Cup. Defender Ashraf Abada of USM Alger and midfielder Victor Lekhel of Al-Riyadh earned extended squad places following their performances with Algeria’s reserve team in Qatar.

Both were absent from the last Africa Cup of Nations due to not being included in the CAF-submitted lists, making this call-up a significant step in their international careers.

The expanded squad also sees the return of experienced names such as Sohaib Naïr (Guingamp), Ahmed Kendouci (Lugano), and Adil Aouchiche (Schalke 04), alongside six players from the Algerian domestic league, including goalkeepers Alexis Guendouz, Zakaria Bouhalfaya, and Gaya Merbah, plus defenders Zineddine Belaid, Naoufel Khacef, and Achref Abada.

Established stars like Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Issa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, and Mohamed Amine Amoura remain central to Petkovic’s plans, providing experience to balance the influx of new talent. In goal, the squad will feature Luca Zidane (Granada), Anthony Mandrea (Angers), and Mastel as the three keepers.

Algeria will face Guatemala on March 27 at Genoa’s Luigi Ferraris Stadium, followed by a match against Uruguay on March 31 at Turin’s Allianz Stadium, as part of preparations for the World Cup. With several new faces joining seasoned internationals, Petkovic appears set to blend youth and experience, giving Algeria a fresh look and broader options ahead of the World Cup.