The year 2023 unfolds as a tale of redemption for the Algerian national football team, celebrating a fourth consecutive unbeaten year and igniting fervor among fans ahead of the rescheduled Africa Cup of Nations, CAN-2023 (now set for 2024) in Côte d’Ivoire (January 13 – February 11).
The narrative also embraces the historic dual continental victories for USM Alger, a first in the club’s history.
Under the guidance of national coach Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian national team achieved a remarkable feat in their 10th match of 2023 against Mozambique on November 19, securing a 2-0 victory in the World Cup-2026 qualifying stage (Group G).
This achievement marks a record-breaking fourth consecutive unbeaten year for the “Club Algérie,” following the years 2019, 2020, and 2021.
After triumphs in 2019, which included winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, and a remarkable unbeaten streak of 35 matches in 2020 and 2021, Coach Belmadi’s team closed 2023 undefeated in 10 matches—six official and four friendly—with a record of 7 wins and 3 draws.
In 2023, led by captain Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahly/Saudi Arabia), the team scored 18 goals while conceding only 6.
With a reconstructed and rejuvenated squad, the national team rebounded from a challenging 2022 marked by early exits in both the CAN in Cameroon and the World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Djamel Belmadi recognized the necessity for a rebuild, incorporating new talents like Aït-Nouri, Bouanani, Chaïbi, Gouiri, and Aouar.
The revitalized team swiftly delivered positive results, affirming Belmadi’s new approach and setting a new target: reclaiming the continental trophy in Ivory Coast.
Algeria, participating in its 20th CAN, convincingly qualified for the premier African football event, topping Group F with 16 points in six matches ahead of Tanzania (8 pts), also qualifying, Uganda (7 pts), and Niger (2 pts).
The women’s national team mirrored the men’s success. Coached by Farid Benstiti, they secured a spot in CAN-2024, overcoming Uganda (2-1, 1-1) and Burundi (5-1, 1-0) in the qualifying rounds. This achievement marked the women’s team’s return to the continental stage after their last appearance in 2018, and fifth overall (2004, 2006, 2010, 2014).
Meanwhile, the national A’ team reached the final of the African Nations Championship, CHAN-2022 (postponed to 2023), losing to Senegal (0-0, penalties: 4-5).
This showcased the potential of local players and their noteworthy performance in a highly competitive environment.
USMA’s Triumph and CRB’s Dominance in African Club Football
In the realm of clubs, USM Alger secured a historic victory, clinching the CAF Confederation Cup in June against Young Africans from Tanzania.
The “Rouge et Noir” surprised many skeptics by capturing their first continental title on June 3, with a jubilant scene unfolding at the Olympic Stadium in Algiers.
Under coach Abdelhak Benchikha’s guidance, USMA continued their success, winning the CAF Super Cup against Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ahly SC (1-0).
Benchikha departed the team in October, moving to Tanzanian club Simba SC in November.
Considered one of Algeria’s most decorated clubs, USMA now stands alongside other continental champions: MC Alger, ES Sétif, and JS Kabylie.
In the Algerian Ligue 1, CR Belouizdad asserted its dominance, securing a fourth consecutive title, a unique achievement in national football history.
With 64 points, CRB finished the 2022-2023 season 14 points ahead of the runner-up, CS Constantine (50 pts). This victory marked CRB’s 10th league title, bringing them within four titles of JS Kabylie’s record of 14 championships.
On a historic note, ES Ben Aknoun and US Souf achieved a remarkable promotion to Ligue 1 from the amateur Ligue 2, surpassing more seasoned competitors.
At the helm of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), Walid Sadi, elected on September 21, embarked on reforms to revitalize national football at the local level. His presidency aims to steer Algerian football back on track.
As the football community looks towards 2024, Algerian football faces new challenges, with the upcoming men’s and women’s CAN events in Côte d’Ivoire.
Additionally, clubs like CRB and USMA, engaged in African interclub competitions, strive to achieve their objectives on the continental stage.
