Algeria, the Desert Foxes, are back at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a burning desire to finally clinch a title that narrowly slipped from their grasp two years ago. After reaching the final on home soil in 2022 and falling short to Senegal in a dramatic penalty shootout, Algeria returns for its third CHAN appearance ready to go all the way.
Their journey at this competition began in 2011 when they reached the semi-finals, and they have since grown into consistent contenders. With a mix of tactical discipline, technical strength, and experience in continental football, Algeria are widely tipped as one of the tournament favourites in CHAN 2024.
The team will once again be led by coach Madjid Bougherra, who was also in charge during the 2022 campaign. Under his stewardship, Algeria has built a strong domestic-based core with players that have not only impressed in the local league but also gained CAF club competition experience. For Bougherra and his group, anything short of a title will feel like unfinished business.
In the lead-up to CHAN 2024, Algeria held their camp at the National Technical Center of the Algerian Football Federation, emphasizing cohesion and tactical refinement. They played two friendly matches as part of their preparation—defeating Rwanda 2-0 and drawing 2-2 against fellow CHAN contenders Mauritania. Both matches were staged at the Moustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida and gave Bougherra a platform to assess his squad’s match fitness and shape.
Official Squad
Star Watch
Aymen Mahious – The USM Alger striker returns after a stellar CHAN 2022 where he bagged five goals, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer. Tall, physically imposing, and clinical inside the box, Mahious is Algeria’s main weapon upfront. His blend of aerial strength and composure makes him a constant threat.
Zakaria Draoui – A dynamic midfielder with a knack for timely goals and decisive passes, Draoui contributed 2 goals and 1 assist during the 2022 edition. His ability to transition from defense to attack and link up play gives Algeria an edge in midfield battles.
Abderrahmane Meziane – With CAF Champions League pedigree, Meziane is an exciting wide forward who adds creativity, speed, and unpredictability to Algeria’s attack. His experience and technical sharpness will be vital in breaking down tight defenses.
Fixtures & Group Overview
Algeria are drawn in Group C, widely regarded as the toughest group of the tournament. Sharing it with host nation Uganda, Guinea, South Africa, and Niger, the Desert Foxes will need to hit the ground running to avoid any early upsets. Three of their group games will take place at Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole, while one will be staged at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
August 4 – Uganda vs Algeria – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole
August 8 – South Africa vs Algeria – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole
August 15 – Guinea vs Algeria – Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole
August 18 – Niger vs Algeria – Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi
Algeria enters CHAN 2024 with the scars of 2022 still fresh, but also with the quality, depth, and experience to mount another serious title challenge. Their attacking power, tactical maturity under Bougherra, and lessons learned from past disappointments could be the ingredients that finally earn them CHAN glory. If their key players deliver and the team maintains consistency, the Desert Foxes may well roar all the way to the top.
