Algeria, the selection upset

To the Algerian supporters who hoped that the arrival of Vladimir Petkovic on the selection bench would bring a wind of change, the first decisions taken by Djamel Belmadi’s successor must have pleased. While waiting to know if the strong choices announced by the former coach of the Girondins de Bordeaux will take effect, it is clear that he has decided to take the bull by the horns. To face Bolivia on March 22 and South Africa four days later, Petkovic has already ruled out eight outfield players present during CAN 2023, including three figures from the Fennecs.

His first list is therefore devoid of three major names. No Riyad Mahrez, who for some time seems to want to withdraw from the selection. After Algeria’s recent setbacks, notably that which occurred during a completely failed 2023 African Cup of Nations and synonymous for the Fennecs out in the first round, the former Manchester City player hesitates to continue the adventure. Now exiled in Saudi Arabia, the Al-Ahli player could very soon turn the page on the selection. In any case, he asked not to be selected this time.

Benrahma returns

But he is not the only one missing and for Islam Slimani, it is clearly a choice by Vladimir Petkovic to do without the top scorer in the history of the Algerian selection. Having played for multiple clubs in recent seasons, the thirty-five-year-old striker now plays for the Belgian club Mechelen. He did not obtain the favors of his new coach. Same thing finally for another heavyweight of Fennecs in recent seasons. Player of MC Algiers, Youcef Belaïli was also not selected for this gathering in March.

In terms of absences, Raïs M’Bohli and Sofiane Feghouli are also worth mentioning. On the other hand, it is the return of Saïd Benrahma who was not selected for the last CAN. The Lyon winter recruit will not be the only Ligue 1 player to be present, since five other players from the French championship, including Amine Gouiri, are part of the group concocted by Vladimir Petkovic.