Petkovic Unveils Algeria’s 28-Man Squad for CAN 2025, Zidane Poised to shine
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Algeria is hoping to rewrite its recent African Cup of Nations history as coach Vladimir Petkovic announced a 28-man squad on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for the tournament taking place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. the announcement comes shortly after Senegal revealed its roster, and signals a fresh start for the Fennecs after disappointing group stage exits in both 2021 and 2023.
A Chance for Redemption in Morocco
Despite the recent setbacks, Petkovic has expressed optimism
Goalkeeping Focus: zidane Steps up
A key storyline surrounding the squad is the goalkeeping situation. With Alexis Guendouz sidelined due to injury, luca Zidane – son of legendary French goalkeeper Zinedine Zidane – is expected to take the starting role. “The absence of Guendouz creates an opportunity for Zidane to establish himself as the number one,” a source close to the team stated. Anthony Mandrea has been called up as cover in goal.
New Faces and Notable Absences
Petkovic’s squad features several interesting selections. Samir Chergui, of Paris FC, has impressed recently and is in contention for a starting position. Adil Boulbina, in excellent form during the FIFA Arab Cup, also earns a call-up.However, the roster is not without its absences. Injuries have ruled out Amine Gouiri, while experienced midfielders Nabil Bentaleb, himad Abdelli, and Haris Belkebla were not selected. Competition for attacking spots is fierce, with Badredine Bouanani, Saïd Benrahma, and Amin Chiakha facing an uphill battle for playing time.
The Full 28-Man Roster
Here is a complete breakdown of the squad:
Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot (USM Algiers), Luca Zidane (Granada, Spain), anthony Mandrea (Caen, France)
Defenders: Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona, Italy), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City, England), Youcef Atal (Al-Sadd, Qatar), Mehdi Dorval (Bari, Italy), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys Bern, Switzerland), Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Samir Chergui (Paris FC, France), Aïssa Mandi (Lille, France), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Espérance de Tunis, Tunisia)
Midfielders: Ismaël Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente, Netherlands), Adem zagence (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice, France), Houssem Aouar (Al-ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht frankfurt, Germany), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Attackers: Mohamed Amine Amoura (Wolfsbourg, Germany), Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC, France), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord Rotterdam, Netherlands), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail, Qatar), Monsef bakrar (Dinamo zagreb, Croatia), Baghdad Bounedjah (al-Shamal, Qatar), Redouane Berkane (Al-Wakrah, Qatar)
The Algerian team will be looking to overcome past disappointments and make a meaningful impact at CAN 2025, with the hopes of bringing a championship trophy back to Algiers.
