Gourcuff and Raouraoua to Finalise Algeria’s June Plans Ahead of CAN 2017 Qualifiers
Algeria head coach Christian Gourcuff is scheduled to meet this afternoon with Mohamed Raouraoua, president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), to finalise preparations for the national team’s upcoming training camps and fixtures, Le Buteur reports.
The high-level meeting will focus on finalising the squad and logistics ahead of the Fennecs’ opening match in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers. Algeria are set to begin their campaign in June against Seychelles, with the Group J encounter to be held at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.
Central to the meeting will be the selection of the 23-man squad for the month-long international window. Gourcuff is expected to present his list of call-ups, discuss preparation timelines, and confirm the structure of two scheduled training camps that will serve as build-up to the qualifier.
In addition to planning for the Seychelles fixture, Gourcuff is also expected to make a final decision regarding his proposed scouting trip to South Africa. The French manager is reportedly weighing a visit to the COSAFA Cup, where both Lesotho and Seychelles—Algeria’s group rivals—are in action. Observing the teams first-hand would provide valuable tactical insight ahead of future qualifiers.
With expectations high and a deep pool of talent at his disposal, Gourcuff will look to use these sessions and scouting opportunities to refine his approach as Algeria begin their journey towards securing a place at the 2017 CAN tournament in Gabon.
