Algeria Football – While everyone was expecting him to start, a regular in the starting 11 was surprised by the coach of the Algeria team, Vladimir Petkovic.
Algeria’s right-back Youcef Atal has been left out of the squad by Vladimir Petkovic for the match against Equatorial Guinea this afternoon, a decision which has raised questions. Although expected to start for this decisive meeting in qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (CAN), Atal is not on the list of players selected. The reasons for his absence have not yet been officially communicated, but this situation raises questions about his physical fitness or possible internal problems within the group.
At the same time, two other players were also forced to withdraw from this meeting: Ibrahim Maza and Bachir Belloumi. Their absences are permanent, thus depriving the Algeria team of important reinforcements to face Equatorial Guinea. Maza, a midfielder with promising potential, as well as Belloumi, a rising figure in Algerian football, will also be absent, which could affect the dynamics and tactical options of the team led by Vladimir Petkovic.
Despite these notable absences, the Algerian team remains determined to continue its journey without a hitch, after winning its first four qualifying matches with maximum points (12/12). The objective is clear: continue to dominate the group and prepare as best as possible for the next African Cup of Nations in Morocco. The coach will have to adjust his strategy to compensate for the absences, and in particular ensure that the absence of Atal, who plays a key role in the defensive system, does not harm the balance of the team.
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