Madjid Bougherra has set out his objectives for Algeria’s upcoming CHAN and Arab Cup campaigns following his return to the national team coaching setup.
After a stint in club football in the Gulf, the former Algeria international has rejoined the national fold, expressing both pride and determination as he embarks on this latest challenge.
Bougherra, who guided Algeria to the CHAN 2023 final, is eager to build on that success and is targeting silverware in the tournaments ahead.
High Expectations and Title Ambitions
Speaking to the Algerian Football Federation’s official channels, the former Glasgow Rangers defender underlined his commitment to achieving new milestones with the team.
“I returned to contribute as the senior team coach. Club football was a great experience, but coaching the national team brings different emotions—there’s more pride, more pressure, and I missed that,” Bougherra admitted.
With Algeria heading into the Arab Cup as defending champions, the coach has made it clear that anything short of a title defense would be a disappointment.
“Everyone expects us to perform. We must do better this time—meaning at least reaching the final and winning the Arab Cup.
We are the reigning champions, so we have to go for it,” he stated.
Fixture Congestion and Playoff Challenge
Algeria’s road to CHAN 2026 is far from straightforward. The team must first overcome Gambia in a playoff match scheduled for early May, a challenge that complicates their preparation.
“It’s a competition and a playoff match that came together very quickly, almost at the last minute. Given the domestic league schedule, organizing training camps is proving difficult,” Bougherra acknowledged. “We’ll adapt, find solutions, and ensure we assemble a competitive squad.”
Further complicating matters is the scheduling of the 2025 Arab Cup, which kicks off just three days before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This tight turnaround presents a significant logistical headache for Algeria and other African nations involved.
Blending Experience with Emerging Talent
When it comes to squad selection, Bougherra is focused on striking the right balance between established figures and emerging talents.
“There’s intense competition for places. Some positions have players performing at similar levels, so we’ve chosen those in the best form at the moment,” he explained.
“However, today’s squad might not be the same tomorrow. The playoff match demands experience, so we need a blend of youth and senior players.”
With a packed schedule ahead, Algeria’s locally based players must quickly rise to the occasion as they aim to navigate these challenges and maintain their standing in continental and regional football.
