Algeria’s locally based national team continued their strong run of form with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in a friendly fixture on Monday evening at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
The match served as a key step in Algeria’s preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), to be hosted jointly by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania in August.
Head coach Madjid Bougherra, looking to test his full squad, deployed two different lineups across each half—an approach that paid off as the Greens displayed cohesion, control, and attacking intent throughout the 90 minutes.
The breakthrough came five minutes before half-time.
Midfielder Adil Boulbina opened the scoring with a well-placed strike in the 40th minute, capping off Algeria’s dominance in possession and territory during the first half.
After the interval, the changes made by Bougherra did little to disrupt the team’s rhythm.
The hosts maintained their pressure, and in the 70th minute, Naoufel Khacef doubled the lead, finishing off a well-executed move to put the result beyond doubt.
Algeria’s control of the game never truly wavered.
Defensively solid and quick in transition, the A’ side—made up entirely of players from the domestic league—delivered a performance that bodes well ahead of their continental campaign.
Rwanda, for their part, struggled to break through Algeria’s lines and rarely threatened in the final third.
“This was an important match for us in terms of preparation,” said head coach Madjid Bougherra after the win. “The players responded well, and we had the opportunity to assess everyone in a competitive setting. That’s valuable as we move closer to CHAN.”
The victory adds to a growing sense of optimism surrounding Algeria’s A’ team.
Despite the competition being reserved for players active in national leagues, Bougherra has been keen to instill the same level of discipline and ambition seen in Algeria’s senior squad.
As CHAN 2025 draws nearer, Algeria’s focus will now shift to refining tactical details and building further chemistry among its players.
The triumph over Rwanda sends a clear message: the Greens are determined to make their mark in East Africa and pursue a long-awaited title on the continental stage.
