The Algerian national football team, gearing up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations set to commence on January 13, has shed light on its decision to engage in a friendly match against Togo’s local squad.
Saleh Bay Aboud, the media representative of the Algerian Football Federation, elucidated the rationale behind choosing Togo as the location for their training camp, situated adjacent to the tournament’s host country, Côte d’Ivoire.
Explaining the decision, Aboud stated, “We opted for our training camp in Togo, which borders Côte d’Ivoire, due to the similar climatic conditions.”
The training camp is slated for a duration of ten days, during which Algeria will play two friendly matches.
Notably, the team will face Togo’s local squad amidst the presence of spectators.
Aboud expressed that they cannot request the Togolese Football Federation to restrict audience attendance during the match.
Addressing the upcoming friendly against Burundi, Aboud clarified that it would be a closed-door encounter, with the team facing the first-choice squad.
The Algerian squad arrived in Togo on Monday for the preparatory camp before heading to Côte d’Ivoire to participate in the African championship.
Ismail Ben Nasr has made a triumphant return to lead the midfield for the Algerian national team in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 after recovering from his injury.
Head coach Djamel Belmadi announced the participation of the “Desert Foxes” in the tournament set to take place in January and February 2024.
Ben Nasr, who recently played for AC Milan after recovering from an injury sustained at the end of the previous season, is a crucial addition to the squad.
The list comprises 26 players, including Youssef Atal, who is serving a suspension at OGC Nice in the French league due to his support for the Palestinian cause.
Additionally, veterans Raïs M’Bolhi and Zinedine Belaïd have returned to Belmadi’s squad.
However, notable absences include Andy Delort of Al-Sailiya in Qatar and Saïd Benrahma, the winger for West Ham United in England, along with Adam Zorgane, Badreddine Bouanani, and Mohamed Boucherit.
Islam Slimani, the all-time top scorer, is a notable inclusion in the list. Slimani, currently playing for Coritiba in Brazil, is the sole player in the championship representing a team in South America.
Other key players featured in the list include Riyadh Mahrez, the winger for Al-Ahli Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Baghdad Bounedjah of Al-Sadd in Qatar, and Youssef Belaïli from MC Alger, in addition to the core members of the national team.
The comprehensive selection reflects the strategic choices made by Belmadi as Algeria aims for success in the prestigious continental tournament, creating heightened anticipation among fans and football enthusiasts alike.
