Madjid Bougherra has unveiled his final 26-man Algeria squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place from August 1 to 30 in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Two names were cut from the provisional list announced last Saturday.
JS Kabylie forward Redouane Berkane was omitted due to his imminent move to Belgium, while CR Belouizdad midfielder Abdelraouf Benguit misses out through injury.
The final group includes a blend of seasoned professionals and promising talents from the domestic league.
The goalkeeper trio features Bouhalfaïa, Bousdira, and Medjadel, offering depth and stability between the posts.
In defence, Bougherra has opted for a solid mix of experience and youth with Radouani, Helaïmia, Nechat, Ghezala, Allilet, Abada, Bakour, Khacef, and Chetti all making the cut.
The midfield department is bolstered by Bouras, Benkhemassa, Boudjemaâ, Boukerchaoui, Draoui, and Merbah, providing a variety of options in creativity and defensive cover.
Up front, the coach has selected Akhrib, Mergham, Belhocini, Mechid, Mahious, Bayazid, Meziane, and Kohili, hoping to replicate the attacking efficiency that propelled Algeria to the CHAN final in 2023.
The team will now begin preparations with a clear objective: to improve upon their performance at the previous edition, where they finished runners-up on home soil.
The tournament presents a significant opportunity for Algeria’s locally-based players to showcase their quality on a continental stage.
“This squad reflects the balance we are aiming for between experienced leaders and emerging players,” Bougherra said during the announcement. “Our ambition is to go far in this competition and honour the expectations of our supporters.”
Algeria’s path to CHAN 2024 success will not be easy, with stiff competition expected from across the continent.
However, Bougherra and his squad remain focused and motivated to bring home the title, buoyed by their strong run in the previous tournament.
As the tournament draws near, all eyes will be on this group of 26 as they aim to make their mark and build a new chapter in Algeria’s CHAN history.
