Algeria face Zimbabwe in crucial friendly ahead of 2025 AFCON preparations

Algeria will take on Zimbabwe this Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the first of two friendly matches as part of their final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Kick-off is set for 4:30 PM GMT.

The Fennecs enter the match seeking to maintain their strong form after securing World Cup qualification.

Since their 4–3 loss to Sweden on June 10 in Stockholm, Algeria have remained unbeaten and aim to extend that run while testing tactical variations before the continental competition.

Head coach Vladimir Petkovic intends to use the match to fine-tune his defensive setup, as key defenders Ramy Bensebaïni and Mohamed Amine Tougaï remain unavailable.

Petkovic highlighted during his press conference the significance of these friendlies, saying that consistent victories not only enhance team morale but also improve Algeria’s FIFA ranking — a vital factor in long-term planning.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, approach the fixture determined to rediscover their rhythm after a five-match winless run.

The Warriors, who have also qualified for the 2025 AFCON, are drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.

Despite recent struggles, they possess a balanced and disciplined squad capable of challenging Algeria — a fact reflected in their competitive head-to-head record.

Since their first meeting in 1989, Algeria and Zimbabwe have faced each other eight times, with Algeria winning three, Zimbabwe taking one, and four matches ending in draws.

Their last encounters came in November 2020, when Algeria claimed a 3–1 win in Algiers before settling for a 2–2 draw in Harare.

Both sides now view Thursday’s clash as a vital opportunity to assess readiness and sharpen form before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in just over five weeks.