Algeria’s U20 national team began a new chapter under coach Razik Nedder with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia in a closely contested friendly match in Annaba.
The encounter marked Nedder’s debut on the Algerian bench, and the coach used the occasion to showcase a blend of local talent and Europe-based players.
Among the notable names were Yanis Sellami, a former France U18 international who now features as a defensive midfielder for Olympique de Marseille, and 16-year-old Adam Letlat, a regular starter in the U18 Premier League with West Bromwich Albion, who previously represented Morocco at youth level.
Nedder’s selection underscored a clear strategy of integrating dual-nationality players with homegrown prospects.
The approach seemed to bear fruit, as Algeria displayed fluid transitions and tactical organisation throughout the match.
After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken just after the hour mark.
A penetrating run by Paradou AC winger Houssem Tazerout saw him evade his marker down the left flank before delivering a precise low cross into the penalty area.
The ball found Abderraouf Boumala of JS Djijel, who timed his run perfectly and calmly slotted it past the Tunisian goalkeeper in the 61st minute.
Tunisia, though resilient and technically solid, struggled to respond decisively in the final third.
Despite managing to pull one goal back late in the game, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Algerians, who had already netted twice.
The final whistle confirmed a morale-boosting 2-1 win for the hosts.
The match offered Nedder valuable insight into his squad’s potential, especially as he looks to build a cohesive and competitive unit capable of excelling in future continental competitions.
It also highlighted the technical level of young talents with experience in European football, a resource Algeria appears increasingly eager to tap into.
As preparations continue for more rigorous challenges ahead, the performance in Annaba will serve as a solid foundation.
For Nedder, it was not only a debut win but also a signal that a new, more globally connected generation of Algerian footballers is beginning to take shape under his leadership.
🟡 Superbe but de la Tunisie, malheureusement consécutif à une perte de balle du côté algérien ! 🤷🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/bo8rA6sQU1
— 𝘼𝙇𝙂𝙀𝙍𝙄𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙐𝙁𝙊𝙊𝙏 🇩🇿 (@algeriactufoot) June 4, 2025
