Expert opinion: Should Petkovic start Belaili against Botswana?

Algeria will face Botswana on Friday in a match counting for the 5th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Also read: After his re-election… The three challenges awaiting Motsepe at the CAF

To discuss this matchup, the editorial team sought the opinion of Algerian journalist Ramzi Ounoughi, who responded to the following question: Should Petkovic start Youcef Belaili against Botswana?

Of course, Belaili should be in the starting lineup against Botswana, especially since the match will take place before the breaking of the fast during this month of Ramadan. He is accustomed to playing while fasting, unlike players in Europe who played their matches in the evening after breaking the fast. Additionally, the Espérance de Tunis player has regained his former form and could effectively energize the left side, something Benrahma has failed to do in recent Fennecs matches.

Belaili's record with Algeria.

An international since 2015, the former Ajaccio player has participated in 53 matches with the Greens, scoring 9 goals and providing 25 assists.

Moreover, he was a key figure in his country's triumph at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2019). His last appearance was in January 2024, during the match against Mauritania for the last AFCON.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.