Ahead of AFCON 2025, Algeria relocates training camp

The Algeria national team is set for a major shake-up in its routine. For the first time since Vladimir Petkovic took charge, the Fennecs will not be gathering at Sidi Moussa. The November international break (from the 10th to the 18th) will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ismaël Bennacer and his teammates will face Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe in back-to-back friendlies. This is a strategic decision by the Algerian Football Federation, aiming to provide the team with optimal preparation conditions ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

This new setting, a first under Petkovic, also reflects a desire to test the squad in a different environment against opponents with varied profiles. The Bosnian coach, who has so far overseen nine training camps—all held on Algerian soil—will now have a fresh opportunity to assess his group’s cohesion away from their usual surroundings. The FAF also plans for each player to travel directly to Jeddah from their club, minimizing long journeys and maximizing training time. This Saudi camp is shaping up to be a full-scale dress rehearsal ahead of the major 2025 challenges, where Algeria will be aiming high—very high indeed.