Algeria’s national team landed in Constantine on Tuesday afternoon as preparations intensified for their friendly match against Rwanda, the first test in the current international break.
Set to kick off at 16:00 GMT on Wednesday at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium, the encounter marks a key opportunity for head coach Vladimir Petkovic to evaluate his squad ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
Before Algeria’s final training session at the venue, a mixed zone media briefing was held, during which goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea spoke to journalists about the team’s approach and his own return to the national setup.
“I couldn’t participate in the last training camp due to a shoulder injury. We’re looking forward to playing with the national team. Competition is healthy; it pushes us to give our all. We’re going to prepare well tonight, especially tactically, and we’re going to give everything to win this match against Rwanda,” said the 28-year-old custodian.
Mandrea, who has been steadily asserting himself within the Algerian goalkeeping ranks, was keen to underline the seriousness with which the team is approaching this fixture.
Despite it being a friendly, the Angers SCO goalkeeper views the match as a valuable test—both for individuals vying for spots and for the squad’s cohesion as a whole.
“This is not just another friendly—we will take this match against Rwanda as a serious test,” Mandrea affirmed, highlighting the mindset within the camp.
The squad’s arrival in Constantine and the full evening training session scheduled ahead of the game signals Algeria’s determination to maximise every minute of this international window.
With several key players either recovering from injury or newly integrated into the team, the match offers an important opportunity to assess depth and readiness.
Mandrea’s return from injury adds to the competitive spirit within the squad, particularly in the goalkeeping department, where the fight for the starting role remains intense.
His words reflected a broader atmosphere of focus and ambition within the group, as they aim to build momentum under Petkovic’s guidance.
Algeria’s clash with Rwanda will be followed by a second friendly against Sweden on June 10 in Stockholm.
For now, however, all eyes are on Constantine, where the Desert Foxes aim to begin their June campaign with a convincing performance.
