In the lead-up to the play-offs for the 2014 Brazil World Cup between Burkina Faso and Algeria, there were reports suggesting that coach Vahid Halilhodzic would be finalizing his squad. The initial pre-selection had included 36 players, and according to sources, some players were expected to be omitted from the final list.
As per Footafrica365, the rumored exclusions from the squad were: goalkeepers Cédric Si Mohamed (CS Constantine) and Sofiane Khedairia (ES Sétif), defenders Ali Rial (JS Kabylie) and Mohamed Ziti (ES Sétif), midfielders Laurent Agouazi (Caen, France), Hamza Koudri (USM Algiers), Saad Tedjar (ASO Chlef), and Hocine El Orfi (USM Algiers). Additionally, striker Ishak Belfodil (Inter Milan, Italy) was mentioned as being left out due to a lack of playing time in his new club.
The exclusion of Ishak Belfodil, in particular, had generated discussions and reactions. However, Rolland Courbis, the coach of USM Algiers, was reported to have attempted to calm the situation, urging for a composed and measured response from the media and the public. Courbis emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and not panicking in the face of team selection decisions, reinforcing the idea that a calm approach would enhance Algeria’s chances of success in the play-offs against Burkina Faso.
