Four standout performers from Algeria’s A’ national team have caught the attention of senior team manager Vladimir Petkovic, following an impressive display in the second leg of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) play-off against Gambia.
The players in question—Adil Boulbina of Paradou AC, Akram Bouras of MC Alger, and JS Kabylie duo Lahlou Akhrib and Redouane Berkane—have reportedly been shortlisted by Petkovic for potential inclusion in the senior squad.
Sources cited by AfricaFootUnited indicate the Swiss-Bosnian coach was closely monitoring their performance during the 3-0 home victory in Algiers, having personally attended the match.
Bougherra’s men had drawn 0-0 in the first leg but rose to the occasion in the return fixture. Boulbina, the 22-year-old forward currently leading the Algerian top-flight scoring charts with 16 goals, delivered a game-defining brace late in the match.
Both goals came courtesy of precise assists from 23-year-old Bouras, who pulled the strings in midfield throughout the contest. Earlier in the first half, Akhrib, aged just 20, impressed with his movement and technical ability in limited attacking phases.
Berkane, brought on as a second-half substitute, also earned plaudits for a composed and assured display.
Petkovic, who assumed charge of the Algerian national team in March, is now considering rewarding the quartet with a maiden senior call-up ahead of two international friendlies scheduled for next month.
Algeria will face Rwanda on 5 June at Constantine’s Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium, followed by a clash with Sweden at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm on 10 June.
While their inclusion in the final squad is yet to be confirmed, there are growing indications that Petkovic views these players as part of a long-term national project.
The manager has shown a keen interest in building a broader talent pool by integrating domestic-based talent into the senior setup—an approach that aligns with Bougherra’s efforts to develop local players through the A’ team.
Petkovic had previously addressed the controversial omission of Boulbina from earlier selections, despite the forward’s prolific form. Speaking during a recent press conference, the 60-year-old tactician explained his cautious stance.
“He is a key player for Paradou and has undeniable potential. But he is 21 and just beginning his career,” said Petkovic. “At this stage, I believe giving him more time to develop was the right decision. It’s about maintaining consistency over time.”
That measured approach may now be shifting, however, as Boulbina and his fellow A’ teammates continue to deliver high-level performances.
The CHAN qualifier served as a timely showcase, and with limited preparation time ahead of major competitions, Petkovic appears open to expanding his options.
Should the four players be summoned for the June friendlies, it would mark a significant moment in their young careers—and a clear signal of Petkovic’s intention to refresh Algeria’s squad with emerging homegrown talent.
With the CHAN win reinforcing the depth of Algeria’s domestic game, and senior team selections looming, all eyes are now on whether this promising group will take the next step onto the international stage.
