ambiance conviviale à l’Iftar collectif des supporters de l’EN à Tizi-Ouzou
Tizi-Ouzou: A Grand Community Iftar Ahead of the Algeria vs. Mozambique Match
On Tuesday evening, the city of Tizi-Ouzou witnessed a vibrant and communal atmosphere as thousands of supporters gathered to break their fast together ahead of the crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier match between the Algerian national football team and Mozambique. The event took place at the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium as part of the sixth round of qualifiers.
The collective iftar was organized by local authorities and catered to approximately 7,000 attendees. It spanned the Mbarek Ait Menguellet square and Setiti Ali Boulevard, strategically located at the western entrance of the city, not far from the stadium. Supporters were warmly welcomed by volunteers from various civil society organizations, including the Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) and Muslim Scouts (SM), who guided them to the designated areas for breaking their fast before heading to the game.
This communal breaking of the fast evolved into a moment of high spirit and enthusiasm, offering a glimpse of the passionate support the national team could expect from its fans. Discussions among attendees were primarily focused on the highly anticipated match and the collective hope for a victory that would keep Algeria in contention for World Cup qualification.
To ensure the success of this large gathering, significant resources were mobilized by the local authorities, who prepared extensively for the influx of supporters before the match, which was set to kick off at 10:00 PM. Alongside this, local police established a comprehensive security plan, ensuring the safety of fans during their journey to and from the stadium as well as within the stadium premises.
Youcef Grina from the police communications office explained, "We have implemented measures to facilitate the arrival and entrance of supporters, oversee the collective iftar organized by the authorities, and monitor the match on large screens set up in various locations throughout the city."
In addition to security arrangements, local authorities also conducted several measures to assist with crowd management, guidance, and transportation for supporters attending the match.
As early as 4:00 PM, despite a somewhat chilly evening, groups of supporters from various regions began to converge on the Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium, and the atmosphere in Tizi-Ouzou transformed, with the city adorned in national colors. Both Algeria and Mozambique were tied with 12 points in Group G, but the Algerian team held the upper hand due to a superior goal difference of +6.
This pre-match iftar symbolized more than just a meal; it represented unity and passion among fans, reflecting the significance of football in Algerian culture. As the community came together to share a meal, hopes were high for an inspiring performance from the national team that would not only lead to victory on the pitch but also strengthen the bonds of community and patriotism off it.
Overall, the gathering served as a powerful reminder of the role that sports play in uniting people, fostering camaraderie, and instilling a sense of pride in national identity, particularly in light of the excitement surrounding Algeria’s World Cup ambitions.
With anticipation building for the match and spirits high from the shared iftar experience, the supporters were ready to rally behind their national team, showcasing the vibrant community spirit of Tizi-Ouzou. The collective hopes and dreams of the fans were reflected in their chants and banners, becoming a resounding declaration of their unwavering support as they looked forward to the match against Mozambique.
