Algeria emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3-2, marking the debut of new coach Vladimir Petkovic with promises of change and resilience.
From the onset, Petkovic’s strategy was evident as Algeria fielded a lineup reminiscent of previous formations under former coach Djamel Belmadi.
However, a notable departure was the inclusion of Yacine Brahimi, returning as captain and a pivotal force in the team’s attacking flank.
The 3-4-3 formation allowed Algeria to dominate possession early on, with Baghdad Bounedjah and Youcef Atal posing early threats to Bolivia’s defense.
Despite Algeria’s territorial dominance, Bolivia showed resilience, testing Algeria’s defense with dangerous opportunities.
An injury to defender Rami Bensebaïni prompted a substitution, but Algeria maintained control, culminating in Amine Gouiri’s opening goal just before halftime.
The second half saw a lapse in Algeria’s momentum, allowing Bolivia to capitalize with two quick goals.
However, Petkovic’s strategic substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, leading to a comeback with goals from Yacine Benzia and Aïssa Mandi, securing a dramatic victory in added time.
Reflecting on the match, Petkovic highlighted three key areas for improvement: defensive solidity, offensive efficiency, and mental resilience.
These challenges echo those faced by the team under Belmadi and underscore the need for strategic adjustments to achieve future success.
As Algeria navigates this transition under Petkovic’s leadership, there is optimism for a renewed focus on defensive stability, attacking prowess, and collective resilience.
With promising individual performances and a commitment to addressing tactical shortcomings, Algeria’s footballing future holds great promise as they strive for reconquest on the international stage.
