Algeria without key players for mini football tournament
Algeria is hosting a FIFA Series friendlies tournament from March 21 to 26, Africa News reported.
The mini tournament will consist of: Algeria, Andorra, Bolivia and South Africa the latter of which highly impressed at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year, narrowly missing out on a place in the final as they lost to eventual beaten finalists Nigeria on penalties.
The hosts will play Bolivia on March 22 before facing the South Africans on March 26 in Algiers.
In contrast to South Africa’s stunning run in Ivory Coast, the North Africans crashed out in the group stage, failing to win any of their three games and finishing bottom of their group.
READ: Algerian footballer trialled for “inciting hatred”
Manager Djamel Belmadi was then swiftly sacked and has been replaced by Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic, the Swiss national team’s ex-gaffer.
Algeria will be without key players Riyad Mahrez and striker Islam Slimani however Lyon star Said Benrahma was recalled to the squad after missing out on the AFCON.
Petkovic was asked about the omission of Riyad Mahrez, a Champions League and Premier League winner with former club Manchester City, from the squad.
“Mahrez called me to ask my agreement to not participate in this camp, he is not ready, he has not enough energy to be able to play his role, his big role in the national team.”, the Algerian head coach said.
Africa News
