Algeria’s statistics under Vladimir Petkovic hide deeper concerns

On paper, Algeria’s numbers under Vladimir Petkovic look impressive.

Since his arrival, the national team has recorded 11 wins, three draws and only two defeats in 16 matches, scoring 41 goals and conceding 17.

Yet, with two rounds remaining in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, many Algerian supporters remain unconvinced.

Strong results but fragile performances

The statistics paint a positive picture. Algeria’s attack averages 2.56 goals per match, while the defence concedes just one per game.

The team is especially effective in second halves, scoring 27 of their 41 goals (66%) after the break, earning Petkovic the reputation of being the man of the second half.

His tactical adjustments often tilt games in Algeria’s favour.

Despite this, critics argue that recent performances have lacked fluency, creativity and consistency.

The frustration stems less from results and more from the quality of play, with June and September’s matches seen as warning signs rather than celebrations of progress.

Key contributors in attack

Among the standout performers, Mohamed El-Amine Amoura leads the scoring charts with eight goals in 13 appearances under Petkovic—an average of one every 1.5 games.

He is followed by Amine Gouiri, whose six goals came earlier in the campaign, with Yacine Benzia and Baghdad Bounedjah contributing four apiece.

Bounedjah’s recent brace against Botswana proved decisive in securing victory in Tizi-Ouzou.

Captain Riyad Mahrez, meanwhile, has struggled to rediscover his best form since returning in September 2024.

He has managed just one goal, against Liberia, in his comeback year.

Defensive stability and midfield regulars

Petkovic has rotated widely, using 40 players across his tenure.

Yet, a core has emerged. Aïssa Mandi (1,468 minutes), Ramy Bensebaïni (1,111) and Mohamed Amine Tougaï (1,085) are the only players to surpass 1,000 minutes of game time.

Both Mandi and Saïd Benrahma have featured in 15 of the 16 fixtures, making them the most reliable selections.

Close behind are Amoura, Gouiri and Bensebaïni, each with 13 appearances.

Goalkeeping dilemma unresolved

The position that continues to raise questions is in goal.

Alexis Guendouz appears to have overtaken Anthony Mandréa, playing seven matches compared to Mandréa’s six, while Moustapha Zeghba, Oussama Benbot and Alexandre Oukidja have each been given just a single outing.

The shadow of veteran Raïs M’Bolhi still looms, with speculation persisting over a possible return.

Promise with lingering doubts

While Algeria’s win rate under Petkovic sits at an encouraging 69% and the unbeaten rate at 81%, the growing unease among supporters reflects the gap between statistics and performances.

With the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco fast approaching and World Cup qualification still to be secured, the coming months will test whether the numbers truly represent progress—or merely mask deeper flaws in the team’s development.