The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has revealed the squad for the upcoming 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) play-off against Gambia, with national team coach Madjid Bougherra calling up a balanced group of players for the crucial fixtures.
This double-legged play-off is the final hurdle before the Greens can secure their place in the continental tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August 2025.
The squad, consisting of 28 players for the initial training camp in March 2025, will be reduced to 26 ahead of the May matches.
Bougherra has selected a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, with a heavy emphasis on players from top-tier clubs in Ligue 1 Mobilis.
Among the key inclusions is Adil Boulbina, the prolific forward from Paradou AC, who currently leads the Algerian league in goals.
Alongside him is Lahlou Akhrib, a young attacking midfielder from JS Kabylie, who has impressed this season and is considered one of the standout players in the domestic league.
The squad also boasts several players who have been recently called up to the senior national team under coach Vladimir Petkovic.
Goalkeepers Oussama Benbot (USM Alger) and Zakaria Bouhalfaya (Constantine) are joined by defenders Mohamed Amine Madani (JS Kabylie) and Naoufel Khacef (CR Belouizdad).
These players will provide the necessary experience and defensive stability required for the important play-off matches.
Bougherra has made some changes to the squad, leaving out certain players who struggled to earn significant playing time in the past.
Notably, Abdelraouf Benguit (CR Belouzidad) has been replaced by Zakaria Draoui, a former Wydad Casablanca player who was part of Bougherra’s previous tenure.
قائمة المنتخب الوطني للاعبين المحليين، تحسباً للمواجهة المزدوجة أمام منتخب غامبيا لحساب الدور الثاني من التصفيات المؤهلة لنهائيات بطولة إفريقيا للاعبين المحليين “الشان”#LesVerts | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/5RMj8ZfMx1
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) April 27, 2025
Other changes include the exclusion of Aymen Mahious (CR Belouzidad), Ilyas Chetti (USM Alger), Abderrahmane Meziane (CR Belouzidad), and Houari Baouche (CS Constantine).
A few seasoned international players also make their return to the national fold.
Mohamed Benkhemassa (CR Belouzidad), Larbi Tabti (MC Alger), and Abdennour Belhocini (Constantine) are all back in the squad, bringing valuable experience to the team.
The Greens, who will begin their training camp this Sunday at the National Technical Centre in Sidi Moussa, are preparing for the first leg against Gambia, which will be played on May 3 in Banjul.
The return leg will take place on May 9 in Annaba. Gambia secured their place in the play-offs after defeating Gabon in a penalty shootout (5-3), making the upcoming matches even more crucial for both sides.
