Algeria ‘A’ national team coach Madjid Bougherra has led his team through a thorough preparation period ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and much is expected when the Fennecs kick off the competition in January 14’s opening match. The hosts are in Group A with Libya, Ethiopia and Mozambique and will be expected to qualify to the knockout stages with ease while playing their fixtures in the brand new Nelson Mandela Stadium. The expectations of Algerian supporters are high and for good reason because of a talented squad that is certainly capable of capturing Algeria’s first ever trophy in only their second appearance at the competition.
Towering CRB striker Karim Aribi appears likely to lead the Algerian attacking line and 21-year-old club teammate Mohamed Belkhir will also be another name to watch in the attack. ES Sétif central midfielder Ahmed Kendouci currently leads the Algerian top division scoring chart with eight goals and the 23-year-old will be able to show his talents on a big stage with the potential to be the most influential player in the competition. Mokhtar Belkhiter is a regular contributor at the right back position for the Algerian champions and offers plenty when getting forward down the flank.
Bougherra also called up a large group of players from MC Alger and USM Alger with fourteen members of the squad arriving from the two capital-based teams. 23-year-old center back Zinedine Belaïd will anchor the Algerian defense and should partner with MC Alger’s Ayoub Abdellaoui for a good mix of experience and ability. 20-year-old USMA winger Mohamed Ait El Hadj is a talent who could be influential on the right wing and his club teammate on the opposite flank, 28-year-old Abderrahmane Meziane, is well accomplished in African football with success at USMA as well as top Tunisian club Espérance ST.
The full list of players are below with more information on the Algeria team in the links further below.