The Algerian national football team embarks on its journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, opening against Angola on Monday at the Cairo International Stadium, marking the commencement of Group Four matches.
The “Desert Warriors,” armed with a squad brimming with stars, aspire to secure their third African title after their triumphs in 1990 and 2019.
The team enters the AFCON with a squad valued at €216.85 million, ranking 30th according to FIFA.
Jamel Belmadi, the head coach, seeks to reestablish his foothold with the “Desert Warriors” following a lackluster performance in the previous edition, where they unexpectedly exited the tournament in the group stage.
Belmadi’s recent setbacks include failing to lead Algeria to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Since his appointment, he has managed the team in 63 matches, securing 42 victories, 15 draws, and enduring six losses.
The coach’s 26-player selection, with only four plying their trade in the local league, includes notable names such as Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, and Nabil Bentaleb.
Expected to field a starting lineup featuring Antony Mandanda in goal, Youssef Atal, Rami Bensebaini, Aissa Mandi, and Rayan Ait Nouri in defense, the midfield trio consists of Ismael Bennacer, Nabil Bentaleb, and Farid Chaalibi, with the attacking trio led by Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani, and Youssef Belaili.
As Algeria pins its hopes on Riyad Mahrez, the captain and Al Ahli Saudi star, the objective is to regain African prominence.
Mahrez, 32, participates in his fifth AFCON, aiming to replicate his outstanding performance in the 2019 edition when he led the “Desert Warriors” to their second continental title.
Mahrez, with six goals in his previous four AFCON campaigns, shares the top scorer position in Algeria’s history with Lakhdar Belloumi.
One more goal in this tournament would see Mahrez surpass Belloumi and become Algeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Africa Cup of Nations.
