Desert Warriors Unveil a 28-Player AFCON 2025 Squad, Led by Luka Zidan
14 December 2025
Squad overview
Algeria named a 28‑man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to be hosted in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026. The roster highlights star players such as Riyad Mahrez and Houssam Aouar, and includes Luka Zidan as the starting goalkeeper, a nod to the Zidane football lineage.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic announced the selection, which features goalkeeper Luka Zidan of Granada, Osama Ben Bout of USM Alger, and Antoine Mandrea of Caen among the group’s goalkeepers as part of a balanced squad.
Defenders include Rayan Ait Nouri of Manchester City, Youcef Atal of Al‑Sadd, Ramy Bensebaïni of Borussia Dortmund, Issa Mandi of Lille, Jaouin Khaïm of Young Boys, Zinedine Belaïd of JS Kabylie, Ramy Bensebaïni, and Samir Cherki of Paris FC, forming a sturdy back line alongside experienced players from the domestic league.
In midfield, Ismaïl Bennacer of Dinamo Zagreb, Ramiz Zerrouki of Twente, Adam Zrkan of Union Saint‑Gilloise, Hicham Boudaoui of Nice, Houssam Aouar of Al‑Hilal, Ibrahim Maza of Bayer Leverkusen, and Fares Chaibi of Eintracht Frankfurt provide creativity and balance between defense and attack.
Forwards bring goal threat with Mohamed Amin Amoura of Wolfsburg, Ilan Kabal of Paris FC, Riyad Mahrez of Al‑Ahli, Anis Haj Moussa of Feyenoord, Adel Boulela (Duhail) and Baghdad Bounedjah of Al‑Shamal, plus Ridwan Burkan of Al‑Khor, giving Petkovic options in multiple tactical setups.
Group phase action is in Group E: Algeria opens against Sudan on December 24, then faces Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea on the 28th and 31st, aiming for advancement and a deep run in the tournament.
The roster underlines a blend of European club experience and domestic familiarity, with a clear aim: lift a third AFCON title for Algeria and etch this squad into the nation’s football history. Punchlines time: If defense were a paint color, Algeria’s kit would be “unblemished matte.” If attack were a flavor, this squad would be a spicy tagine you can’t stop dipping into. Enjoy the snacks, because the desert is about to get loud.
