Algeria resume training following Rwanda victory ahead of Sweden clash

Algeria’s national football team returned to training on Friday, just one day after securing a 2-0 win over Rwanda in a friendly held at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, as they begin preparations for their upcoming encounter with Sweden.

With the June 10th fixture against Sweden fast approaching, head coach Vladimir Petkovic carefully managed his squad’s workload during the training session.

Players who featured prominently in the Rwanda match were given a reduced workload, allowing for recovery and injury prevention, while the rest of the squad underwent a more rigorous session to maintain competitive sharpness.

Petkovic’s approach reflects both a strategic and health-conscious mindset, particularly as the team navigates a packed schedule post-Eid. The intensity and spirit among the players were reportedly high, suggesting strong cohesion and morale within the squad as they build toward a more challenging test against the Swedes.

The mood in camp remains positive despite the absence of two key players. Defender Mohamed Amine Tougai and attacking midfielder Youcef Belaïli have both withdrawn from the squad due to undisclosed reasons.

Their departures reduce the roster to 25 players, but team sources indicate that the coaching staff remains confident in the depth and flexibility of the group.

Training took place at the Sidi Moussa national technical centre, where the squad reconvened for this post-Eid phase of preparation.

The facility, a regular base for the national team, provides a controlled environment where Petkovic and his staff can focus on tactical refinement and player fitness ahead of what is expected to be a demanding fixture in Sweden.

The Algerian Football Federation has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the withdrawals of Tougai and Belaïli, though both players have dealt with intermittent fitness concerns in recent months.

Their absence, however, opens up opportunities for other squad members to step up and make a case for inclusion in the starting eleven.

The upcoming match against Sweden marks a significant test for Algeria, who are looking to continue their unbeaten run under Petkovic’s early tenure.

While Rwanda posed a moderate challenge, Sweden is expected to provide a more robust and structured opposition, offering the Greens a clearer picture of their current level ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Algeria will depart for Sweden tomorrow, with travel arrangements in place to ensure the squad arrives with sufficient time to acclimatise and prepare.

The international friendly will serve as a key part of Petkovic’s broader strategy to build cohesion, assess tactical variations, and integrate new ideas ahead of competitive tournaments on the horizon.

Friday’s session concluded without any reported injuries, a crucial detail as the team aims to maintain momentum and stability through this preparatory phase.

With morale high and focus sharp, Algeria appear determined to make the most of these fixtures as they continue their evolution under new leadership.

The clash against Sweden is scheduled for June 10th and will provide further insight into how Algeria are progressing in their transitional phase under Petkovic, as they seek to re-establish themselves among Africa’s elite footballing nations.