Following the recent draw for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), national teams across the continent have intensified their preparations in anticipation of the tournament. Among these teams, Algeria has already begun taking concrete steps to ensure they arrive in Egypt fully ready to compete at the highest level. The Algerian Football Federation has reportedly reached out to the Democratic Republic of Congo to arrange a friendly match, which will serve as an important component of their pre-tournament schedule.
According to a copy of the correspondence obtained, the Algerian federation has formally requested the availability of the Congolese national team for a friendly encounter on June 16, to be held in Spain. This choice of location highlights Algeria’s intent to provide a neutral, professional setting for the players to test their tactics and build cohesion ahead of the continental showcase. The planned friendly is expected to offer both teams the opportunity to experiment with lineups, assess key players, and refine strategies in a match setting that mimics the competitive intensity they will face in Egypt.
This proposed match with the Democratic Republic of Congo is only part of a broader preparation program for the Algerian national team. Sources close to the federation suggest that two additional friendly matches are likely to be scheduled, although specific details, including the opponents and venues, have not yet been finalized. These matches will be crucial for Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian head coach, as he aims to finalize his squad, address tactical challenges, and ensure the team is in optimal form ahead of the tournament. Friendly matches at this stage not only provide an opportunity for players to adapt to different playing styles, but they also allow the coaching staff to evaluate emerging talents and confirm the team’s competitive balance.
In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria has been drawn into Group C, which features a challenging set of opponents: Senegal, Kenya, and Tanzania. Senegal, a team with a recent history of World Cup participation, is widely regarded as the strongest team in the group. Meanwhile, Kenya and Tanzania, who have benefited from the expansion of the AFCON to 24 teams, remain relatively unknown but will certainly aim to make a mark. For Djamel Belmadi, preparing for this diverse set of opponents requires careful planning, tactical flexibility, and a focus on both physical and mental readiness.
The Fennecs’ preparation strategy underscores the importance of using pre-tournament fixtures to build confidence, improve team chemistry, and implement tactical plans. Friendly matches, particularly against competitive opponents like the Democratic Republic of Congo, provide an invaluable opportunity to simulate the pressures and intensity of AFCON matches while identifying areas that require improvement.
As the tournament draws closer, Algeria’s proactive approach to scheduling preparatory matches reflects the ambition of the team to perform strongly in Egypt. With Group C presenting a mix of experienced powerhouses and determined challengers, every minute on the training ground and in friendly matches will contribute to Djamel Belmadi’s ultimate goal: guiding Algeria to success and making a deep run in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
