Keddad, Tabti et Bouhalfaya forfaits
Summary of Algerian National Team Update
The Algerian A’ national football team is facing challenges ahead of their crucial return match against Gambia, scheduled for Friday at the Stade du 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba at 19:00. Three key players—Chouaib Keddad, Larbi Tabti, and Zakaria Bouhalfaya—have been ruled out due to injuries and illness, as confirmed by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).
With only 48 hours remaining before the match, the team continued preparations on Wednesday evening at the Sidi Moussa Technical Centre. Coach Madjid Bougherra emphasized tactical training and team cohesion to finalize his starting lineup for the upcoming encounter. The absence of Keddad and Tabti, who are injured, and Bouhalfaya, who is suffering from the flu, poses a significant challenge for the team’s strategy.
The squad is scheduled to fly to Annaba on Thursday morning via a special flight to complete their preparations on-site. In the first leg of the qualifying round, held last Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, the Algerian A’ team managed to secure a 0-0 draw against Gambia, which puts them in a competitive position for the return leg.
Should they progress to the final phase of the CHAN 2025 tournament, Algeria, who were the runners-up in the previous edition held in Algeria, would enter Group C alongside Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and one other team from the playoff round—either South Africa or Malawi. This final stage of the championship is set to take place from August 2 to 30 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, increasing the stakes for the Algerian team.
In light of the recent player withdrawals, the coaching staff will need to adapt their game plan and look to other squad members to step up in the absence of those key players. The focus remains on achieving a favorable result against Gambia to secure progression to the next round of qualifiers.
This match not only holds importance for qualification but also serves as a test of the depth and resilience of the squad as they aim for success on the continental stage. The team’s preparation and approach in the coming days will be critical in determining whether they can overcome these setbacks and advance towards their aspirations for the CHAN 2025 tournament.
