Algerian players note of the match

For their one and only pre-CAN preparation match, Djamel Belmadi’s Greens largely won against Ghana (3-0). 

The Doha internship will not have been empty of any teaching for the National Team. Following the imbroglio of the friendly match against Gambia, finally canceled, the A had finally had to be content with Ghana to conclude their training camp for the next African Cup of Nations.

At the Education City Stadium in Doha, EN A thus began their first outing of 2022 against a formidable opponent, Ghana, which they had simply not beaten since 1993 (!). On this occasion, and also because his team was diminished by the absences linked to the return of Europeans as well as to the Covid-19 pandemic, Djamel Belmadi chose to line up a 4-2-3-1 very similar to that that Madjid Bougherra used during the last Arab Cup.

It was the return of Youcef Atal, absent against Burkina Faso last November, but also of Yacine Brahimi, who had shone with the A ‘. Adem Zorgane started in midfield just like Adam Ounas on the right wing.

The Greens were enterprising. Excellent in the game without a ball, especially in the first period, they took the lead through Ounas from the 7th minute of play (1-0) before causing a CSC (74 ‘, 2-0) and a new goal from Slimani (76 ‘, 3-0).

A broad victory, a convincing success against a quality opponent: Algeria is now ready to start the African Cup of Nations! It will be on January 11, against Sierra Leone.

Raïs M’Bolhi ( 6.5 ): In the wake of his last Arab Cup, M’Bolhi was present on the rare Ghanaian offensives. Always indisputable!

Youcef Atal ( 5 ): Not back to what he can do best in EN, Atal still suffers as much from the comparison with the player he was during CAN 2019. It is despite everything he who provokes the Ghanaian CSC on a very good center full axis. Replaced in the 84th minute by Houcine Benayada .

Aïssa Mandi ( 6.5 ): Strong, involved, Mandi reminds everyone why he has not moved from Belmadi 11 for more than 2 years.

Abdelkader Bedrane ( 6 ): Bedrane goes on! Regular in EN, he has shown to have ample capacity to replace Benlamri, absent. What to hope to become definitively titular?

Ramy Bensebaïni ( 6 ): The Algerian left side was serious, as usual, even if we expect even better offensively from the one who was the best European defender-scorer of the whole year 2021 .

Ramiz Zerrouki ( 7 ): Very voluntary, Zerrouki has never ceased to claim the ball to illuminate the game of the Greens. The Ajax Amsterdam-trained player is definitely an important part of Belmadi’s eleven.

Adem Zorgane ( 7 ): There it is, the midst of the future of the Greens! Sentinel Zorgane was excellent, always in contact with the opposite and very clean in his raises. A golden future is shaping up for the young player, no doubt. Replaced in the 63rd minute by Ismaël Bennacer , still involved and interesting with the ball.

Adam Ounas ( 6.5 ): He was a scorer, he was a volunteer, he was all that made him a regular on Djamel Belmadi’s lists despite his poor playing time in Naples. When Mahrez returns, he will reprise his role as a supersub with flying colors. Replaced in the 71st minute by Saïd Benrahma , who revitalized the Greens’ attack.

Yacine Brahimi ( 6 ): He was making his comeback in EN A and he did not totally disappoint. Even if he still knew how to be annoying at times, Brahimi is excellent to allow the Greens to keep the ball. Replaced in the 71st minute by a Farid Boulaya who clearly showed his qualities, especially technical, on the little playing time he had.

Youcef Belaïli ( 6 ): A little selfish, a little borrowed, despite everything always lucid when it comes to delivering a nice cross or a well-felt pass. Despite everything, we have known him to be immensely stronger. Replaced in the 84th minute by Ilyes Chetti .

Baghdad Bounedjah ( 5 ): Disappointing. If his pressing is still excellent, Bounedjah misses too many and, often, obvious opportunities. Replaced in the 63rd minute by Islam Slimani , already top scorer in the history of the selection and author of his 40th achievement with Algeria this afternoon.