Algeria coach Vladimir Petković has named a 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, selecting a blend of experienced stars and exciting newcomers as the Desert Foxes attempt to end a disappointing run in recent editions of the competition.
The squad, confirmed on Saturday in Algiers, features a number of established names including Riyad Mahrez, Ismaël Bennacer, Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, and striker Baghdad Bounedjah, scorer of the winning goal in the 2019 final.
Zidane set for starting role after Guendouz injury
One of the major talking points is the likely elevation of Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine, to first-choice goalkeeper.
Injury to regular starter Alexis Guendouz, who damaged knee ligaments earlier in the week, opened a space that Petković has filled with the 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper.
Zidane made his Algeria debut in October after switching allegiance from France and is now expected to start ahead of Oussama Benbot and recalled former No.1 Anthony Mandrea.
New attacking options as Petković refreshes frontline
Petković has also handed maiden AFCON call-ups to two forwards:
- Adel Boulbina, the Al-Duhail striker impressing in Qatar
- Redouane Berkane, enjoying a prolific spell with Al-Wakrah
They join a strikeforce led by Bounedjah, as well as Mohamed Amoura, Monsef Bakrar, Anis Hadj-Moussa, and Ilan Kebbal.
The major absentee is Marseille forward Amine Gouiri, ruled out after undergoing shoulder surgery.
A blend of experience and emerging talent
Algeria’s midfield features a familiar trio in Ismaël Bennacer, Houssem Aouar, and Hicham Boudaoui, supported by the energetic Ramiz Zerrouki and promising Leverkusen youngster Ibrahim Maza, who earns his debut call.
In defence, Ryan Aït-Nouri, Youcef Atal, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, and Mohamed Amine Tougai provide tournament experience, while newcomers such as Rafik Belghani, Samir Chergui, and Mehdi Dorval strengthen depth across the back line.
Petković said Algeria’s ambition was clear: “We want to return to competing at the highest level. Our first goal is to advance from the group stage and avoid repeating the early exits of 2022 and 2024.”
Algeria begin their AFCON campaign in Group E, where they will face Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan.
Algeria head to Morocco hoping a rebalanced squad can restore their status as one of Africa’s most formidable sides.
FULL ALGERIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
- Oussama Benbot (USM Alger)
- Luca Zidane (Granada)
- Anthony Mandrea (Caen)
Defenders
- Ryan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City)
- Youcef Atal (Al Sadd)
- Zineddine Belaid (JS Kabylie)
- Rafik Belghani (Hellas Verona)
- Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund)
- Samir Chergui (Paris FC)
- Mehdi Dorval (Bari)
- Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys Berne)
- Aïssa Mandi (Lille)
- Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance)
Midfielders
- Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad)
- Ismaël Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb)
- Hicham Boudaoui (Nice)
- Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
- Adem Zorgane (Union Saint-Gilloise)
Forwards
- Mohamed Amoura (Werder Bremen)
- Monsef Bakrar (Dinamo Zagreb)
- Redouane Berkane (Al Wakrah)
- Adel Boulbina (Al Duhail)
- Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Shamal)
- Anis Hadj-Moussa (Feyenoord)
- Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC)
- Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
