Palestine edge Algeria 1-0 in Arab Cup warm-up clash

The Algerian national team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Palestine in a friendly match on Monday evening at the 19 Mai 1956 Stadium in Annaba.

The game formed part of both teams’ preparations for the FIFA 2025 Arab Cup, scheduled for December in Qatar.

Palestinian striker Zaid Qunbar scored the only goal in the 38th minute.

He punished a moment of hesitation in the Algerian defense when Reda Benchaa misjudged his goalkeeper’s movement.

Qunbar reacted quickly and sent a precise header into the unguarded net after connecting with a cross from the left.

Algeria began brightly and came close to scoring through Rayan Kolli, whose effort struck the post.

Goalkeeper Idir Hadid then made an excellent save to deny Palestine from a well-taken free kick.

Despite early pressure, Algeria failed to convert their dominance into goals.

After conceding, the Greens pushed hard for an equalizer.

Their attacks came mainly from the flanks, but poor finishing stopped them from finding the net.

Their crosses and final balls often lacked precision, allowing Palestine’s defense to stay organized and block key moves.

Coach Madjid Bougherra introduced several changes after halftime to energize his side.

The introduction of Amir Sayoud brought renewed creativity and rhythm to Algeria’s attack.

His quick dribbles and accurate passes unsettled the Palestinian defense and created two clear opportunities in the 62nd and 65th minutes.

However, luck again deserted the hosts as Kolli’s close-range attempt struck the crossbar.

Palestine nearly extended their lead in the 82nd minute. Hamdan Hamed unleashed a fierce shot that hit the right post of Hadid’s goal.

The rebound caused panic in the Algerian defense, but they recovered just in time to clear the danger.

In the final moments, Algeria pressed forward with determination. They dominated possession and pushed Palestine deep into their half.

Still, the visitors defended with discipline, blocked every dangerous ball, and protected their one-goal lead until the final whistle.

This loss came only days after Algeria’s convincing 3-0 victory in their first friendly, also played in Annaba.

Redouane Berkane scored twice in that match, while Adel Boulbina added the third from the penalty spot.

Despite the setback, Algeria’s technical staff will take positives from the two matches.

The friendlies offered Bougherra a chance to assess his squad’s readiness for the upcoming Arab Cup.

The coach tested several combinations and gave minutes to both regulars and new talents.

As defending champions, Algeria will compete in Group D of the Arab Cup.

Their opponents include Iraq and the winners of the Bahrain-Djibouti and Lebanon-Sudan play-offs.

The tournament will give Bougherra’s side another opportunity to defend their regional crown.

Palestine, meanwhile, will continue their preparations with confidence after this encouraging victory.

They will face Libya in a qualifying play-off match next month in Doha.

A win there would send them into the tournament’s group stage for the first time since 2021.

Both nations view the Arab Cup as a crucial step in developing local talent and building competitive squads for future continental challenges.

Monday’s clash reflected that spirit—intense, competitive, and full of learning moments for both sides.