Algeria manager Djamel Belmadi could unveil his final Africa Cup of Nations squad at his rescheduled press conference on Sunday.
Initially set for Thursday, the Algerian Football Federation announced Belmadi’s media briefing will now take place on December 31st at 11am local time.
While national team coaches have until January 3rd to submit AFCON selections, anticipation is building regarding Algeria’s chosen 23-man contingent.
Belmadi published an extended 50-man preliminary list earlier this month, prompting intense debate over potential inclusions and high-profile omissions.
Attacking talents like Youcef Belaili, Yacine Brahimi and Said Benrahma face nervous waits over their participation.
Traditionally, Algeria’s finalised squads get published on the federation’s website in the days prior to the coach’s press conferences.
However, Belmadi could instead formally announce his picks when addressing journalists Sunday morning.
AFCON 2023 starts on January 13th with Algeria beginning their Group D campaign versus Angola two days later.
As defending champions in 2019 before a disastrous group-stage elimination last time out, pressure is mounting on Belmadi and his players.
After a training camp in Togo directly before the tournament, all eyes turn to Belmadi’s selections as Algeria target redemption.
Does he keep faith with experienced heads or usher in a new generation of talents?
Sunday’s press conference should clarify Algeria’s approach and provide the answers followers of the Desert Foxes have impatiently waited for.
“We appreciate fans’ eagerness to see the chosen names, but I will reveal all in good time,” Belmadi commented this week. ”
Right now the players know my plan and expectations – that is the critical factor.”
Algérie : Belaïli, Bennacer et M’Bolhi dans la liste élargie ! (officiel) https://t.co/x5C8PheV9T pic.twitter.com/zhlGf0fhnw
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) December 20, 2023
