CHAN 2024 (Q): Algeria vs Gambia, Bougherra kicks off hostilities

Algeria is gearing up to face Gambia in Bakau (May 3) and Annaba (May 9) as part of the qualification for CHAN 2025. Ahead of the first leg, the coach of Algeria's national A' team held a press conference on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki. The 42-year-old provided an update on his team's preparations for this double confrontation.

“We are working in coordination with the first team staff, and Petkovic constantly asks for updates on the local players. What the coach does is a source of motivation and pushes the locals to make extra efforts. There are no longer any small teams in Africa, and the results of Gambia's A team are proof of that. We know that the Gambian squad has been in training for about two weeks and will seize every opportunity to qualify,” stated Madjid Bougherra.

The Algerian coach also took the opportunity to remind everyone of his team's goals against Gambia in these matches.

“Our primary objective is to prepare well in anticipation of the CHAN. But first, we must secure our qualification against Gambia. We will do everything to qualify for the CHAN, and then aim to win it. I've always had this competitive spirit. Another objective is to find players who can join the A team. It's important to know that the A' team is the stepping stone to the A team,” added Madjid Bougherra.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.