Having already clinched first place in group E of the Africa Cup of Nations with victories over Sudan and Burkina Faso, Algeria will look to continue its winning form against a winless Equatorial Guinea squad on Wednesday. Coach Vladimir Petkovic announced Tuesday that he intends to utilize the match as an opportunity to evaluate his full roster and prepare for the knockout stage, with several changes expected to the starting lineup [[1]].Despite being eliminated from contention, Equatorial Guinea is expected to provide a spirited challenge in the final group stage match.
Published On 30/12/2025
|
آخر تحديث: 23:06 (توقيت مكة)
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic announced Tuesday he will make several changes to the starting lineup for Wednesday’s final Group C match against Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations. Petkovic emphasized the game will be a true test for his squad and a valuable opportunity to assess the entire team’s readiness.
Algeria has already secured first place in Group E with wins over Sudan and Burkina Faso. Equatorial Guinea, meanwhile, has been eliminated from the tournament, sitting at the bottom of the group without a point after two losses.
اقرأ أيضا
list of 2 itemsend of list
“I will make some changes, I definitely won’t keep the same starting lineup,” Petkovic said at a press conference. “Team management is crucial.”
“Tomorrow’s match will be a real encounter. Our goal is to show that we need to continue working, and our opponent will also be motivated despite being eliminated from the tournament.”
Petkovic stressed the importance of controlling Equatorial Guinea’s movements and denying them any opportunity to dominate the match.
“I know the Equatorial Guinea team well, and they know us, so it will be necessary not to give them any chance to control the game.”
Regarding the status of Samir Cherki and Juan Hegam after their injuries in the match against Burkina Faso, Petkovic said, “As I said, there will be some changes to the lineup, and new players will participate. It’s unfortunate that Cherki and Hegam were injured, and therefore they will not be used. We will monitor their condition in the coming days.”
Petkovic also highlighted the contribution of goalkeeper Luca Zidane in the previous matches, noting he has integrated well and gained experience quickly.
“Zidane has contributed well to the two wins. He’s starting to integrate and gain experience in a short period of time.”
Petkovic is expected to give playing time to Zinedine Belaid in central defense, and Zrouki and Abdelli in midfield, with Boulbina, Redouan Barkan, and Haj Moussa in attack.
