Algeria’s U-17 national team opened their new chapter under head coach Amine Ghimouz with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauritania in an international friendly on Wednesday.
Held at the Chahid Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida, the match marked Ghimouz’s first test at the helm following last year’s disappointing campaign that saw the team fail to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil under former coach Aziz Lahoussine.
Determined to turn the page, Ghimouz has overseen a complete rebuild of the squad, beginning with a series of regional training camps and an extensive talent identification process, including scouting trips abroad.
The friendly against Mauritania served as the first live assessment of his newly formed side.
The young Algerians asserted themselves from the outset, displaying intensity and cohesion, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.
Led by captain Mohamed Rayan Mit of ASM Oran, the team dominated possession and created several chances, although they struggled to find the finishing touch.
Their persistence finally paid off in the second half.
A well-timed cross into the box was met by Stade Rennais forward Mouhammad Valmy, whose powerful header found the back of the net, handing Algeria a deserved lead.
Mauritania responded with more attacking intent, but Algeria’s disciplined defensive line held firm.
Goalkeeper Ivan Scander Guemdani, on the books at Olympique de Marseille, remained largely untroubled, with his backline effectively shutting down Mauritanian advances.
The match also showcased the coach’s blend of domestic and international talent.
Of the eleven starters, seven were based abroad, including players from clubs such as Lyon, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Valenciennes.
Four were local-based, including two from Paradou AC — Mahmoud Noubli and Sid Ali Kadouri — both of whom put in solid performances.
The full starting lineup featured: Ivan Scander Guemdani (Olympique Marseille), Mahmoud Noubli (Paradou AC), Ilyes Mekkaoui (Volendam), Zakaria Youcef Achira (ASO Chlef), Mohamed Rayan Mit (ASM Oran, captain), Walid Nechab (Olympique Lyonnais), Bilal Daou (Eintracht Frankfurt), Mehdi Sahraoui (Valenciennes), Sid Ali Kadouri (Paradou AC), Mouhammad Valmy (Stade Rennais), and Said Gessim Remadnia (Olympique Marseille).
Algeria’s next test will come against Tunisia on Monday, June 16, again at the Tchaker Stadium.
The clash will offer another opportunity to measure the progress of Ghimouz’s ambitious rebuilding project.
