Adel Amrouche Prepares Algeria for Friendly Match

ALGER, Algeria — Adel Amrouche, the 57-year-old coach, is set to lead the Algerian team in a friendly match against Algeria on Thursday at 6 PM. Amrouche, who has experience managing teams in Burundi, Kenya, Libya, Botswana, Yemen, and Tanzania, is now taking on the challenge with the national team.

In a press briefing ahead of the match, Amrouche addressed questions about his decision to prioritize other players over the well-known Cherki. “Who is this Cherki? I do not know him. What position does he play? An attacking midfielder! I prefer to choose Benkhemassa instead. If he doesn’t want to come, it doesn’t matter; we have players for that position,” Amrouche stated firmly.

Meanwhile, the national team is also observing young talents like Amine Chiakha and Ibrahim Maza. At just 19 years old, Chiakha plays for FC Copenhagen, where he has made a significant impact this season, contributing to his team’s success in winning the domestic double.

Maza recently signed with Bayer Leverkusen, a Bundesliga champion. He is seen as a promising player of Algerian descent, having previously developed at Hertha Berlin. Both players are hoping to make their mark during the upcoming friendlies against Rwanda on June 5 in Constantine and Sweden on June 10 in Stockholm.

Chiakha expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I feel good. I have gained confidence this season. This is my third call-up, and I want to make the most of it.” Maza added, “It’s not easy to secure a spot in the team, but we hope to get more minutes.” The integration of these young players is essential as Algeria leads its qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup.

Amrouche’s focus is on building for the future as well, especially with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. He aims to lay the groundwork for a renewed team, inspired by successful players like Amoura. Both Chiakha and Maza seem poised to step into bigger roles.