Algeria’s Pre-AFCON preparations: Greens to face Togo and Burundi in closed-door friendlies
Algeria’s national football team, the Greens, is set to embark on a crucial phase of preparation with two friendly matches against Togo and Burundi.
The training camp, scheduled in Lomé from January 1 to 10, 2024, will serve as a pivotal period for national coach Djamel Belmadi to fine-tune the team’s tactical strategies ahead of the continental showdown in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11.
The Greens’ encounter with Togo on Friday, January 5, will be followed by a clash against Burundi on Tuesday, January 9. Both matches, integral to Algeria’s preparation, will be conducted behind closed doors.
This strategic decision, made at the behest of Coach Belmadi, aims to provide an environment conducive to focused training and allow the team to refine their tactical system away from the public eye.
Togo’s squad for the friendly fixture will consist exclusively of local players, presenting an opportunity for Algeria to face a team with a distinct style and approach.
On the other hand, Burundi, despite failing to qualify for AFCON 2023, is set to field a full squad that includes players competing both domestically and abroad.
The diversity in Burundi’s lineup promises a challenging test for the Greens as they assess their readiness for the upcoming continental tournament.
Before departing for Lomé, the national team is slated to play a preparatory match against the Olympic selection on Sunday, December 31, at the National Technical Center (CTN) in Sidi Moussa.
The fixture will serve as an additional opportunity for Coach Belmadi to evaluate player performances and make final adjustments before the team embarks on its crucial training camp in Togo.
The closed-door friendlies against Togo and Burundi are poised to be pivotal moments in Algeria’s journey toward AFCON 2023, providing invaluable insights and preparations for the defending champions.
