Algeria eye Tlemcen training base ahead of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria’s national team is considering holding its pre-tournament training camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Lalla Setti Regional Technical Centre in Tlemcen, according to sources close to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

With just months remaining until the continental showpiece in Morocco, the FAF and head coach Vladimir Petkovic are laying the groundwork for the team’s final preparations, expected to take place in December.

Discussions are reportedly underway to stage the camp at the Tlemcen-based facility, which is nearing completion and could soon be handed over to the federation.

Though the Lalla Setti centre remains under construction, it has emerged as a strong candidate to host the national squad.

The FAF views the facility as an ideal site to conduct its pre-CAN activities, subject to the completion and official delivery of the complex.

Initiated in 2020 during the tenure of former FAF president Kheireddine Zetchi, the project has faced a number of delays.

Construction was halted for a period during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a legal dispute between two architectural firms overseeing the development caused further setbacks.

Despite the complications, the FAF remains hopeful that the site will be operational by the start of the 2025 season.

Built primarily through funding from FIFA’s Forward Programme, the centre was initially scheduled to be completed during the first half of the year.

However, progress has been slower than anticipated.

Sources suggest the federation is exploring the possibility of organising a four-team mini-tournament at the Lalla Setti complex once it is inaugurated.

The event would involve Algeria and three other African nations as a final tune-up ahead of the tournament proper in Morocco.

While no formal announcement has been made, the technical and logistical preparations are already in motion.

FAF officials are expected to inspect the facility in the coming weeks as they weigh up the suitability of the site for an intensive training camp.

The decision to potentially remain within Algerian borders for the final stage of preparations would also offer logistical and climatic familiarity ahead of the short trip to Morocco.

As anticipation builds for AFCON 2025, Algeria’s football authorities are clearly focused on ensuring a seamless and effective lead-up, with the Lalla Setti centre now central to those plans.