Petković Unveils Algeria’s Final 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2025
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has officially announced his 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, signaling a new era for the “Desert Foxes.” After disappointing early exits in the previous two editions, the 2019 champions arrive with a revitalized roster that blends legendary experience with a wave of exciting new talent.
Goalkeeping Shift: The Zidane Era Begins
The most captivating headline from the announcement is the inclusion of Luca Zidane (Granada), the son of French icon Zinedine Zidane. Following a late knee ligament injury to regular starter Alexis Guendouz, Luca is tipped to take over as the primary choice in goal. He is supported by the experienced Anthony Mandrea (SM Caen), who returns to the fold, and USM Alger’s Oussama Benbot.
Defensive Pedigree and Midfield Balance
Petković has constructed a backline led by Premier League standout Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) and Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaïni. The defensive unit is a mix of veteran stability, featuring Aïssa Mandi (Lille) and Youcef Atal (Al Sadd), and fresh faces like Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Mehdi Dorval (Bari), Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys), and Mohamed Amine Tougaï (Espérance).
In the heart of the pitch, the return to fitness of Ismaël Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb) provides a technical anchor. He headlines a gifted midfield alongside Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Ramiz Zerrouki (Feyenoord), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), and Adem Zorgane (Charleroi). A major “X-factor” is the inclusion of Bayer Leverkusen’s 19-year-old sensation Ibrahim Maza, who earns his first major tournament call-up.
A Refreshed and Potent Attack
Captain Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli) remains the talisman of the squad, but the frontline has undergone a significant refresh. While the clinical Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Shamal) provides veteran presence, Petković has introduced young strikers Adel Boulbina (Al Duhail) and Redouane Berkane (Al Wakrah), both of whom forced their way into the squad through prolific form in Qatar. The attack is further energized by the pace of Mohamed Amoura (Werder Bremen), Monsef Bakrar (Dinamo Zagreb), Anis Hadj-Moussa (Feyenoord), and the creative flair of Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC).
Algeria has been drawn into Group E, where they will open their campaign against Sudan on December 24, followed by crucial matches against Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea. All group matches will be played in Rabat as the team seeks to restore its status as a dominant force in African football.
