Algeria A’ team to face Egypt in double friendly ahead of Arab Cup

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed two friendly matches between Algeria’s A’ team and Egypt in November as part of preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup of Nations Qatar 2025.

The matches will serve as vital tests for coach Madjid Bougherra and his squad as they gear up for the regional tournament scheduled from December 1 to 18.

The double-header will be held at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, with the first encounter on Friday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m., and the second on Monday, November 17, at 4:00 p.m.

The FAF’s announcement follows earlier reports in Foot Afrique that revealed ongoing discussions between both federations regarding the fixtures.

The Egyptian Football Federation later confirmed the arrangement, finalising the logistics for the two friendly matches.

The Al Salam Stadium, inaugurated in 2009 with a capacity of 30,000 seats, regularly hosts Al Ahly and Al Entag Al Harbi fixtures.

Egypt’s A’ team, grouped in Pool C for the upcoming Arab Cup, will face Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the winner of the Kuwait–Mauritania playoff scheduled for late November.

The Egyptian side, composed of players not involved in the main national team preparing for AFCON 2025, is managed by veteran coach Helmi Tolan, aged 75.

He works alongside technical director Ahmed Hassan, goalkeeping coach Essam El-Hadary, and assistants Mamdouh Mohammadi and Mohamed Nour.

Egypt began their buildup in September, securing two wins over Tunisia before splitting October friendlies with Morocco and Bahrain.

The matches against Algeria will mark another step in fine-tuning their squad before the Arab Cup begins.

For Algeria, the friendlies offer an opportunity to solidify tactics and assess player readiness before their opening game on December 3 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha.

They will face the winner of the inter-confederation playoff between Sudan and Lebanon.

This double encounter promises a competitive preview of the upcoming Arab Cup, with both nations aiming to strengthen their form ahead of the continental showdown in Qatar.