Algeria’s head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, is set to unveil the national team roster for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Togo. The list of selected players will be revealed on Thursday, October 3, ahead of the crucial fixtures in Annaba on October 10 and Lomé on October 14, according to La Gazette du Fennec.
Petkovic, who took over as Algeria’s coach earlier this year, is expected to make several notable changes to the squad as they prepare for the third and fourth rounds of qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The announcement, scheduled just four days before the training camp begins on October 7, has already sparked speculation about which players might be included.
Goalkeeping Options and Potential New Faces
One area where Petkovic could innovate is in goalkeeping. There is widespread anticipation that Zakaria Bouhalfaya, a 27-year-old shot-stopper for CS Constantine, might receive his first national team call-up.
Bouhalfaya has been in exceptional form, especially during the preliminary rounds of the African Football Confederation Cup (CAF), and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Petkovic’s decision to potentially introduce new blood into the goalkeeping department could be an attempt to strengthen Algeria’s defense as they aim to secure a spot in the prestigious AFCON tournament.
Possible Return of Youcef Belaïli
Another point of interest in Petkovic’s squad selection revolves around the potential recall of Youcef Belaïli.
The talented forward, who has been absent from the national team since the 2023 AFCON, has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with Espérance de Tunis, scoring six goals and providing four assists in just three matches.
Belaïli’s resurgence could see him make a return to the Fennecs’ lineup, providing a boost to Algeria’s attacking options.
Petkovic had previously left the door open for Belaïli’s return, stating after Algeria’s victories against Equatorial Guinea (2-0) and Liberia (3-0) that no player is excluded from consideration.
“The doors are not closed to any player, we have more than 55 possibilities, and we take those that I believe can take us to victory,” Petkovic commented in a recent press conference, hinting at possible changes for the upcoming qualifiers.
Algeria’s Quest for AFCON 2025 Qualification
Algeria currently sits in a favorable position as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
With back-to-back wins in their previous qualifiers, Petkovic will be looking to maintain that momentum.
The upcoming double-header against Togo will be crucial in securing their place in the tournament, and the squad announcement on October 3 will offer insight into how Petkovic plans to approach these pivotal matches.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly awaiting the final squad list, which could offer a blend of experienced players and new talent as Algeria continues its journey toward AFCON 2025.