AFCON 2025 Group Stage

Algeria reaffirms title ambitions

Thursday, January 01, 2026 14:26
AFCON 2025 Group Stage: Algeria reaffirms title ambitions RABAT – The national football team wrapped up the AFCON 2025 group stage in style, notching their third straight victory with a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday night, a performance that showcased the team strength and championship aspirations in the tournament's 35th edition. For this final group match, national coach Vladimir Petkovic made a bold call by fielding an almost entirely different starting XI from the sides that beat Sudan (3-0) and Burkina Faso (1-0). Nine players were rotated out, with only Maza and Aït-Nouri keeping their places. A decision the Bosnian tactician stood firmly behind, choosing to rest several key players including captain Riyad Mahrez, defender Ramy Bensebaïni, and tireless midfielder Hicham Boudaoui, with an eye on the knockout rounds ahead. Between the posts, Anthony Mandrea made his return to the squad six months after his last appearance in that thrilling friendly against Sweden in Solna on June 10 (4-3), though he cut a less-than-convincing figure. On the field, the "fringe players" rose to the occasion magnificently. Attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza reinforced his growing reputation, having rapidly established himself as one of the team's genuine pillars. Scoring and ever-present, he orchestrated a polished collective display. But the man of the match was undoubtedly Anis Hadj Moussa. The right winger produced a masterclass, combining penetrating runs, flair, and impressive work rate, a display that fully justified his man of the match award. This victory above all showcased the depth of Algeria's squad. The players selected answered the call emphatically, giving Petkovic a wealth of tactical options. It is an almost ideal scenario for the coach, who now faces the enviable headache of having strong, quality choices in every position. From a statistical perspective, the national team has been ruthlessly effective in attack with 7 goals, while defensively they have been watertight, shipping just a single goal since the tournament kicked off.

RABAT – The national football team wrapped up the AFCON 2025 group stage in style, notching their third straight victory with a 3-1 win over Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday night, a performance that showcased the team strength and championship aspirations in the tournament's 35th edition.

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