Algeria’s national football team, under the guidance of new coach Vladimir Petkovic, is set to make its debut under his leadership in a friendly match against Bolivia. The match, scheduled as part of the FIFA Series friendly tournament, will take place at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, kicking off at 9 p.m. GMT.
In what marks a significant decision by Petkovic, Yacine Brahimi, a prominent figure overlooked in the latter years of Djamel Belmadi’s tenure, has been entrusted with the captain’s armband.
The move signals a fresh start for Brahimi and underscores Petkovic’s intent to utilize experienced players in leading roles.
Petkovic’s lineup for the match reflects a blend of established talent and emerging prospects.
The backbone of the team includes familiar names such as Mandrea, Mandi, Bensebaini, Atal, Ait-Nouri, Zerrouki, Bentaleb, and Bounedjah, all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s performance.
Their inclusion comes as no surprise, especially in the absence of key players such as Slimani, Bennacer, and Mahrez.
However, Petkovic has also introduced some fresh faces into the mix. Players like Gouiri and Chaïbi, who missed out on the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), have been given the opportunity to showcase their talent from the outset.
The coach’s decision to include them in the starting lineup demonstrates his willingness to explore new options and inject vitality into the team.
While some familiar names like Amoura, Benzia, and Benrahma are named as substitutes, others like Guitane, Aouar, and Hadj Moussa are notably absent from the match sheet.
Petkovic’s selections reflect a balance between experience and youth, aiming to create a cohesive unit capable of achieving success on the field.
As Algeria takes on Bolivia in this friendly encounter, all eyes will be on Petkovic’s debut and the performance of the team under his leadership.
The match serves as a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim and impress the new coach ahead of future fixtures.
With Brahimi leading the charge, Algeria aims to kick off the Petkovic era on a positive note and build momentum for the challenges that lie ahead.
Starting XI | التشكيلة الأساسية
🇩🇿 🆚 🇧🇴#LesVerts⭐⭐ | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿| #FIFAseries pic.twitter.com/5AtgkcwuTx— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) March 22, 2024
