Opening of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers…
On Friday evening, the national team will open the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, from the stadium of the late Mujahid “Hussein Ait Ahmed” in Tizi Ouzou, when it hosts the Zambian national team, starting at eight in the evening, as part of the first round matches of the ninth group of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are jointly organized by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Through these qualifiers, the “Greens” enter a new era with a new technical team led by the former Olympique Marseille star, Ibrahim Hamdani, with the help of the hero of the Omdurman saga, Antar Yahya, and a renewed young squad that also raises the challenge of remaining at the top of the football pyramid in Africa, and this is in the absence of the retired former captains, Riyad Mahrez and Issa Mandi.
Algeria – Zambia… Friday evening (20:00) in Tizi Ouzou
In their first outing after the World Cup disappointment, the teammates of Bayern Leverkusen’s German star, Ibrahim Mazza, are betting on putting the Greens back on the right track and starting the “Cannes 2027” qualifiers with strength and confirming that the national team is renewed and not dissipated.
The statements of all the players were directed in one direction, during the mixed zone that was organized the evening before yesterday, Tuesday, before the start of the second training session, where they emphasized raising the challenge and the necessity of achieving a strong start in these qualifiers, in order to open a new page and make the Algerian people happy.
In anticipation of the three confrontations that await it during the current international break, starting with welcoming Zambia tomorrow, Friday, in the first round, then moving to Bujumbura to face the Burundi national team next Tuesday in the second round of qualifiers, before hosting Niger next October 6 in a friendly match, the national voter, Brahim Hamdani, invited 26 players who, since last Monday, began their preparations at the National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa.
The Algerian public is eagerly anticipating discovering the changes that will occur to the national team in the “Hamdani” version, whether in terms of adjusting the lineup and giving the opportunity to the bright young players, or the method of play that Khalifa Petkovic will rely on.
It is noteworthy that the qualifiers, which will be held during the period from June 19 to July 17, 2027, witness the participation of 48 teams, which are divided into 12 groups, each of which includes 4 teams, and the competitions are held in 6 rounds. The first and second-place finishers from most groups qualify for the finals, while the qualification system differs in the groups that include the three host countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
In the fourth group, which includes Kenya, the eighth group, which includes Uganda, and the twelfth group, which includes Tanzania, the host country guaranteed its qualification, provided that the best-ranked team among the other teams in each group will advance with it.
Before arriving at the Kenyan, Tanzanian and Ugandan stadiums, the teams await an arduous journey that begins with the first and second rounds between September 24 and October 6, then the competitions will resume during the period from November 9 to 17, before the qualification cards are decided in the last two rounds between March 22 and 30, 2027.
Players’ statements:
Adel Bourabaa: “I achieved my childhood dream… and I will prove that I deserve a place with the Greens.”
The newcomer to the national team, Adel Bourabaa, expressed his great happiness at being with the “Greens”, considering it a childhood dream that came true for him. At the beginning of this season with the French club Le Mans, Bourbaa, who is brilliant, confirmed that he will work to take advantage of this opportunity in order to give his best and prove his right to be called up.
During the mixed zone that preceded Tuesday’s training session, Bourbaa said: “Thank God I have achieved my childhood dream, and I am very happy to be with the national team. I was ready with the Olympic team, and when I was contacted to join the first team, I was very happy with this opportunity.”
Regarding the first exit that awaits the “Greens” tomorrow, Friday, against Zambia, Bourbaa stressed the necessity of good preparation for this confrontation: “All matches are difficult, we must work hard. We spoke with coach Hamdani and we have an idea of what awaits us and what must be presented.”
The newcomer praised the way he was received by his teammates in the national team, stressing that he felt a positive atmosphere since his arrival: “Everyone welcomed me warmly, as if I had been a player with the national team for a while.”
Regarding his brilliance with his club Le Mans in the French League, Bourbaa said that the credit for this is primarily due to the teamwork within the team, saying: “My positive response with my team is the result of the collective brilliance of the team, and we must continue to work in this manner.”
Bouraba concluded his statements by emphasizing that his goal during his first apprenticeship is to learn from those with experience and provide an addition: “I must learn from the old players, perform well, get the shirt wet and prove that I deserve to be with the national team.”
Suhaib Nair: “Proud to represent the national team again”
Defender Sohaib Nair expressed his great happiness at answering the invitation to the national team, stressing that representing the “Greens” remains a pride for every player. The Saint-Etienne defender told reporters: “It is always a pride for me to represent the national team. I had a strong start to the season with my team, and I was waiting for this invitation to the national team.”
Nair stressed that all the players are determined to give everything they have: “We will give everything we must, and we are all ready to serve the Greens.”
Nair also revealed that the national voter, Ibrahim Hamdani, explained to the players what he expects from them during the next stage: “We spoke with the national voter Hamdani, and he explained to us what he expects from us, and the competition is good for every player in order to provide the best.”
Regarding the retirement of the duo Issa Mandi and Riyad Mahrez, Nayer confirmed: “Mahrez and Issa Mandi gave their best and honored the national shirt, and they are among the players who represented the national team the most and were very important.” In addition, Nayer confirmed at the conclusion of his speech that the absence of two main pillars like Mandy and Mahrez, in the next stage, will be a different matter for the players and the fans: “It is a special thing not to see them again with the national team. They did what they should, and I think they did more.” “From that.”
Amin Shaykha: “Thank God for my return to the national team.”
Striker Amin Sheikha expressed his great happiness at his return to the national team, stressing his determination to work and give his best during the coming period.
Sheikha said, during the mixed zone, at the National Technical Center in Sidi Moussa: “Thank God I have returned to the national team. I must continue in this vein by scoring goals.”
The Norwegian Rosenborg striker added that he is working very hard with his club, in order to develop his level and better prepare for the upcoming benefits: “I want to give everything I can to the national team, and I am ready and able to learn more and provide the best.” He added, “I went through difficult periods, which prompted me to consult my surroundings and those close to me about the future of my career, and this explains my move to Rosenborg. With this club, I quickly regained my features and level, which explains my effectiveness on the field.”
Regarding his absence during the recent World Cup finals, Shaykha confirmed that despite this, he remained loyal to the “Greens” and was encouraging the national team during the World Cup.
Ramadan: “Being in Sidi Moussa gives us a special feeling.”
The national team goalkeeper, Ramadan Abdel Latif, expressed his happiness at being at the Sidi Moussa Center, as part of the waiting period for the current international break.
Mouloudia Algiers’ goalkeeper, Ramadan Abdel Latif, expressed his happiness at being in the Sidi Moussa center, as he was with the national team in the 2026 World Cup, but as a reserve fourth goalkeeper.
Ramadan said, in statements made exclusively to the official website of “FAF” on the sidelines of the start of the “Greens” training session, that carrying the national team’s colors gives the players a special feeling: “Being in Sidi Moussa gives us a special feeling because we will represent our country, our people, and our clubs as well.”
Boulbina: “We will work hard to make Algerians happy”
The striker of the Saudi Diriyah Club, Adel Boulbena, confirmed the readiness of the national elements to achieve positive results with the start of the 2027 African Cup qualifiers, and to delight the Algerian fans.
“We are excited to return to the national team. We miss the atmosphere,” Boulbina told the official FAF website, adding: “We will work hard to make the Algerians happy.”
