Algeria’s national football team coach Vladimir Petkovic is preparing to announce his squad for the upcoming FIFA international window in September, where Algeria will face Equatorial Guinea and Liberia in the first two matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The headline news for Algerian fans is the return of team captain Riyad Mahrez, who has been absent from the national team for the past seven months.
Mahrez, who has had an impressive start to the season with Saudi club Al-Ahli, will rejoin the squad after a period of uncertainty regarding his future with the national team.
The 33-year-old winger had missed Algeria’s previous international gatherings in March and June, leading to widespread speculation and discussion about his commitment to the national side.
His absence was initially attributed to personal reasons, with Mahrez citing mental and physical fatigue following Algeria’s disappointing performance in the 2023 AFCON and the subsequent departure of former coach Djamel Belmadi.
Mahrez’s return is seen as a significant boost for Algeria as they embark on their qualification campaign for the 2025 AFCON.
Coach Petkovic’s decision to recall Mahrez indicates a resolution of the misunderstanding that had kept the captain away from the squad.
Although the two have not yet spoken directly, reports suggest that a conversation is imminent, paving the way for Mahrez’s reintegration into the team.
The Manchester City winger is determined to continue his international career, with his sights set on participating in another World Cup before retiring.
Mahrez made his World Cup debut in 2014 in Brazil, where he played in Algeria’s opening match against Belgium.
Despite the team’s early exit in the round of 16, Mahrez remains motivated to lead Algeria to further international success.
In addition to Mahrez’s return, Petkovic’s squad for the September fixtures is expected to see some changes.
Sunderland FC midfielder Adel Aouchiche is set to make his debut for Algeria after completing the process to change his sporting nationality.
Aouchiche, who will likely replace the injured Nabil Bentaleb, represents a fresh addition to the squad as Algeria looks to build a team capable of qualifying for AFCON 2025 and beyond.
However, the squad will be missing a few key players due to various reasons.
Right-backs Youcef Atal and Kevin Guitoune are both expected to be absent.
Atal, who is currently without a club, has missed the entirety of summer training, while Guitoune has been training with FC Metz’s reserve team after expressing a desire to leave the club following their relegation to Ligue 2.
Algeria’s first match in the qualifiers is scheduled for September 5 against Equatorial Guinea, followed by a clash with Liberia on September 10.
With Mahrez back in the fold and new talent like Aouchiche stepping up, Algeria will be looking to start their qualification campaign on a strong note.
The return of their captain, coupled with strategic changes to the squad, signals a new chapter for the Desert Foxes as they aim for success in the upcoming tournament.
