Algeria’s national football teams are preparing to host Rwanda in a unique double-header this June, with both the senior national side and the A’ team set to play friendlies against the East African nation just days apart.
The Algerian A team, under the guidance of head coach Vladimir Petkovic, will take on Rwanda on 5 June at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Constantine.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 local time. This encounter marks part of Petkovic’s broader strategy to strengthen the team ahead of upcoming international commitments.
Meanwhile, four days later, Rwanda will return to the pitch against Algeria’s A’ team, coached by Madjid Bougherra. That fixture is set for 9 June at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, with play starting at 20:00.
The match forms the centrepiece of a short training camp for the A’ squad, running from 6 to 9 June in Algiers, as they gear up for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition reserved for players based in domestic leagues.
The arrangement presents an unusual but valuable opportunity for both Algerian squads to measure their progress against the same opponent in quick succession.
It also reflects a coordinated approach by the Algerian Football Federation to optimise Rwanda’s visit for the benefit of both national teams.
Bougherra, a former national team stalwart and now coach of the locally-based A’ selection, is using the brief training camp and friendly fixture as part of a broader build-up to CHAN 2025, which is scheduled to take place in August.
With the tournament drawing closer, the match against Rwanda serves as a critical test of readiness for his squad, many of whom are still seeking to secure their places in the final team selection.
The scheduling of the A’ team’s match just four days after the senior side’s fixture has raised speculation that logistics played a role in Rwanda’s willingness to participate in both games.
The proximity of the fixtures may also allow for efficient resource use while giving Rwandan players exposure to two different levels of competition during their stay in Algeria.
For Petkovic, the senior team’s match offers a platform to further assess the form and chemistry of his squad, particularly with major qualifiers on the horizon.
Having assumed the managerial role with expectations of revitalising Algerian football, every opportunity to evaluate his players in a competitive setting is critical.
With both games set to be played in two of Algeria’s prominent stadiums—Constantine and Blida—fans across the country will have a chance to witness their national teams in action.
The back-to-back fixtures also signal a commitment to developing depth within the national setup, providing domestic-based players under Bougherra with the kind of high-level exposure often limited to the senior squad.
As preparations intensify on both fronts, Algeria will be looking to make the most of this rare scheduling opportunity. With national pride and tournament readiness at stake, the twin clashes against Rwanda promise valuable insights for coaches, players, and supporters alike.
